Italian Ambassador to Bangladesh, Antonio Alessandro, has expressed his country's interest in expanding cooperation with Bangladesh, particularly in the energy sector. Ambassador Alessandro highlighted that Italy is closely monitoring the bidding process for international oil and gas companies to explore in the Bay of Bengal.
"Bangladesh has launched an international tender for gas exploration, which is a significant development. Many global companies are interested in this tender," he said in an interview with UNB and two other media outlets at the embassy.
The ambassador noted that Italian multinational company Eni, a major player in the oil and gas sector, is also following this tender. "There is still time for Italian companies and others to consider bidding. This is an important development," he added.
Petrobangla, Bangladesh's oil, gas, and mineral corporation, has initiated offshore bidding, inviting international companies to explore the Bay of Bengal. The tender, titled "Oil and Natural Gas Exploration Under Bangladesh Offshore Bidding Round 2024," offers 24 offshore blocks—nine shallow and 15 deep sea blocks—with a submission deadline of September 9, 2024.
Responding to a question from UNB, Ambassador Alessandro emphasized the importance of the energy sector for Bangladesh, noting the challenge of finding sustainable energy sources. He also mentioned the signing of two MoUs between Bangladesh and Italy in July last year, during Prime Minister Hasina's visit to Rome, one of which focused on the energy sector.
"Now we need to implement this agreement and enhance cooperation in the energy sector. LNG and renewable energy, including waste-to-energy projects, are areas where Italian companies are well-developed and can find many opportunities in Bangladesh," the ambassador said.
A Stronger Bangladesh
Ambassador Alessandro highlighted the growing and multifaceted relations between Bangladesh and Italy. "Bangladesh is no longer an LDC and has developed significantly in many areas, offering numerous opportunities for Italian businesspeople," he stated.
He pointed out that Italy is also expanding its role within the European Union and globally. "The Bangladeshi community in Italy acts as a bridge between the two countries, and this community is growing in both numbers and quality."
Reflecting on the evolution of bilateral relations, Alessandro noted that 30 years ago, the focus was primarily on development, humanitarian aid, and basic trade. "Now, our relations encompass trade, migration, defense, and culture. The spectrum of our cooperation is much broader, with significant untapped potential."
The ambassador praised the Bangladesh Armed Forces, citing their effectiveness and significant contribution to UN peacekeeping. "Italy is proud to have cooperated with Bangladesh in this area, and we maintain strong relations with their Armed Forces, Air Force, Navy, Army, Coast Guard, and police."
Alessandro expressed Italy's commitment to continuing its cooperation with Bangladesh in various forms, beyond just arms purchases. "Cooperation is broader than that," he emphasized.
Regarding upcoming diplomatic engagements, Alessandro mentioned that the Secretary General of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs would visit Bangladesh at the end of June for political consultations. Additionally, the director for Italian Citizens Abroad will visit on July 1 to commemorate the victims of the July 1, 2016, Holey Artisan Bakery terrorist attack.
On the resumption of Biman Bangladesh Airlines' direct flights to Rome, Alessandro welcomed the development, describing it as a positive step in Italy-Bangladesh relations. "I attended the launch of this new flight. It's a very good development," he said. He noted that the expansion of air connectivity depends on market demand and the possibility of additional flights from airlines like ETA Airways.
