Russian Ambassador Meets FBCCI Chief to Discuss Rooppur Plant and Trade

Russian Ambassador Alexander Khozin held a high-level meeting with the Administrator of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), Fazlul Hoque, at the organization's Gulshan office on Wednesday. The diplomatic engagement brought together key business and governmental representatives to explore avenues for deepening economic ties, enhancing bilateral trade, and reviewing ongoing developmental initiatives between Russia and Bangladesh.

A central focus of the discussions between Ambassador Khozin and FBCCI Administrator Fazlul Hoque was the current status and future operational milestones of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant. Providing updates on the landmark energy project, Ambassador Khozin stated that preparations are advancing steadily with the clear target of supplying 300 megawatts (MW) of electricity to the national grid within the coming month. Furthermore, the ambassador highlighted the massive scale of technical collaboration on the ground, noting that approximately 4,000 Russian experts and engineers are currently working tirelessly to address technical issues and ensure the successful implementation of the Rooppur project.

In addition to energy cooperation, the meeting addressed broader commercial partnerships and institutional frameworks designed to boost private-sector engagement. Representatives at the talks noted that the Moscow Chamber of Commerce and Industry has expressed a formal interest in establishing a joint 'Russia-Bangladesh Business Council'. This proposed bilateral council aims to facilitate closer commercial ties, foster dialogue between the business communities of both nations, and streamline trade opportunities.

Bilateral diplomatic calendars were also a key item on the agenda, with both sides looking ahead to upcoming intergovernmental engagements. Officials confirmed during the meeting that an important intergovernmental commission meeting is officially scheduled to be held in Dhaka in early November, providing a structured platform to further negotiate economic priorities and cooperative agreements.

Labor mobility and pharmaceutical cooperation formed another crucial dimension of the discussions held at the Gulshan office. Ambassador Khozin reported that Russia has recently issued visas to about 3,000 Bangladeshi workers. Additionally, on the healthcare and trade front, the Russian Ministry of Health is actively reviewing various procedural and legal matters concerning the prospective import of high-quality generic medicines from Bangladesh into the Russian market.