Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN)- The United States will extend its support to Bangladesh in participating in the 'United Nations' Sustainable Energy for All (SE4ALL) program', officials said.
The visiting US Deputy Assistant Secretary Dr Robert Ichord voiced his country's support after a meeting with State Minister for Power and Energy Mohammad Enamul Haque at the Energy Ministry in the capital Dhaka on Thursday.
US Ambassador in Bangladesh Dan W Mozena, Power Secretary Monwar Islam and other officials of the Power and Energy Ministry were present in the meeting.
Mr Ichord said his visit is to focus the response by the US government to Bangladesh to participate in the program which is led by the UN secretary general and also by the World Bank president.
"We're here to respond to the interest expressed by the Bangladesh government in the 'sustainable energy for all initiative' program for which the US government is a strong supporter. Former Secretary of State committed $2.0 billion for advancing the goal for sustainable energy," he told reporters after the meeting.
The US deputy assistant secretary said the main goals of the programs are ensuring energy access by all by 2030, doubling the rate of energy efficiency and also doubling the share of renewable energy in the total energy generation.
He also said that over 70 countries have expressed their interests in taking part in the initiative. Public and private sectors have been working on the issue since the Rio conference last year.
BBN/SSR/AD-15Mar13-11:50 am (BST)
