“Unless we can develop our own Human Resources, we have to remain dependent on foreign firms,” said Dr M Tamim, an eminent energy expert, while speaking at the virtual seminar titled: “EP Talks: Utilising local Resources in Infrastructure Development Projects: Challenges and Prospects”, organized by Energy & Power magazine.

The seminar was also addressed by additional secretary of the Power Division Faizul Amin, Chairman of Max Group Golam Mohammad Alamgir and EnergyPac Power’s chairman Md Rabiul Alam.

Director of Dipon Group Shamsuzzoha Nasim made a keynote presentation on the topic while Energy & Power Editor Mollah Amzad Hossain conducted the function.

Dr Tamim observed that local entrepreneurship is not growing up at the international standard due to lack of policy support from the government.

“If we can have a provision in international tender for foreign firms’ participation under joint venture with local firms, then it would help create local skilled man power,” he said.
     
Faizul Amin said that Rampal Power Plant project is being implemented with Indian Line of Credit where it was mandatory that at least 75 percent of goods must be imported from Indian companies.

“If such conditions were not accepted, it would not be possible to implement the Rampal power project,” he said adding, the country needs to improve its negotiation skills to maximise advantages in any new project.

Golam Moahammad Alamgir said that foreign firms are receiving more facilities than local ones when participating in International tenders in large projects.

“Foreign firms are getting 15 percent duty waiver in import of goods and equipment while locals have to pass 35 percent taxes for importing the same thing,” he observed.