Dibrugarh: Zikrul Hasan Fahad, Assistant High Commissioner of Bangladesh and head of mission in Guwahati, visited Assam Petro-Chemicals Limited (APL) at Namrup on Friday, coinciding with World Environment Day. The visit is seen as a move to strengthen and expand the existing trade relationship between the petrochemical company and Bangladesh.
Tree Plantation and Facility Tour
On World Environment Day, Fahad planted a tree sapling at the APL campus, symbolizing a shared commitment to environmental sustainability and a greener future. He also toured the company's production facilities, where he was briefed on APL's operations, technological capabilities, and future expansion plans.
Existing Trade Ties and Future Prospects
Bangladesh is already a key market for APL. In July 2023, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma flagged off methanol exports from APL's new 500 TPD methanol plant at Namrup to Bhutan, Nepal, and Bangladesh, marking a milestone in the company's regional expansion. Friday's high-level visit signals a mutual desire to deepen that engagement further.
Meeting with APL Management
A meeting was held with APL management, discussing matters of mutual interest, industrial cooperation, and broader trade opportunities between APL and Bangladesh. Attendees included APL Chairman Bikul Chandra Deka, Vice-Chairman Hemanta Gogoi, Managing Director Rajnesh Gogoi, Director (Finance) Pramod Kumar Prasad, and department heads.
Quotes from Key Figures
APL Chairman Bikul Chandra Deka said, "Bangladesh is already a valued market for APL's products. This visit gives us the opportunity to build on that foundation and explore newer avenues of cooperation. We are committed to making APL a key industrial partner for our neighbouring countries."
Fahad expressed appreciation for APL's scale of operations: "The facilities and capabilities at APL are truly impressive. Given our existing trade ties, there is considerable scope for expanding cooperation, and we look forward to working towards that."
