Kathmandu, Jan. 4: Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Secretary General Tenzin Lekphell today called on Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Pampha Bhusal.

During the meeting that took place at the latter’s office in Singha Durbar, the two discussed several issues about the BIMSTEC. On the occasion, Lekphell stressed that all BIMSTEC members should actively contribute for implementing the agenda of the energy sector endorsed by the BIMSETC meetings.

Citing that the implementation of the 2018 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for Establishment of the BIMSTEC Grid Interconnection with priority would be beneficial for all member nations, he stressed that this matter should be the concern of the Nepal government as well. The Secretary General of the regional economic bloc said a setting up of BIMSTEC Energy Center said to be established in Bengaluru, India should be the priority of all member countries.

In response, the Minister said the use of hydropower and its promotion at the BIMSTEC –level were interconnected, citing that she was ready to take all measures for the same.

The Minister said hydropower is a significant issue for Nepal and pledged to set the date for the BIMSTEC Energy Ministerial Meeting at an appropriate time. “The date will be announced at a convenient time for all the members and we will proceed towards that end with the appointment of a focal person.”

It may be noted that the 2010 BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting handed the responsibility of organizing the Energy Ministerial Meeting to Nepal.

The Secretary General has been here in view of the proposal to organise the BIMSTEC fifth Summit in Sri Lanka on coming March 30.