The World Bank (WBI has agreed to provide Tk 650 crore' for the Gas Infrastructure De I velopm*nt Project' of Bangladesh reports UNB

An agreement in this regard Is expected to be signed m Washington in January next.

The assurance of the World Bank help came during a meeting between a visiting World Bank delegation and the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources In Dhaka yesterday

Vise President Joseph Wood led the WB delegation while Energy Minister Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hoasaln led the Bangladesh side.

The Minister apprised the delegation of the country's present position and future demand of gas. He also outlined various development projects designed to cope with the increasing demand of gas up to the year 2000 and sought continued help from the Bank.

Joseph Wood Expressed his deep satisfaction over the development in the gas sector and assured continued WB help in future. He suggested necessary reforms In the power sector and underlined the need for improving management efficiency and performance to make the sector more viable.