On Tuesday (25 March 2025) the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed two loan agreements worth 85,819 million yen (equivalent to Tk 6,700 crore) with the Government of Bangladesh, at a signing ceremony held at the Economic Relations Division.

The ‘Food Safety Testing Capacity Development Project (28,699 million yen)’ will enhance the capacity of Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA) in major divisions like Dhaka, Chattogram, and Khulna to control the production of safe food products for domestic and international markets. While the ‘Matarbari Ultra Super Critical Coal-Fired Power Project (VIII) (57,120 million yen)’ will boost energy reliability and strengthen Bangladesh’s power infrastructure with a 1,200MW coal plant and 400kV transmission lines, roads, bridges, and a deep seaport.

These initiatives will help Bangladesh enhance food safety and energy sustainability for future growth.