Bangladesh, Hong Kong discuss ties on waste management, pollution control

The issues were discussed at a bilateral meeting between Bangladesh's State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Sheikh Faridul Islam and Hong Kong's Secretary for Environment and Ecology TSE Chin-wan at the Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott Hotel on Monday.

During the meeting, Sheikh Faridul Islam stressed the need to strengthen capacity in waste collection, segregation, recycling and safe disposal, saying Hong Kong's experience and technical expertise could benefit Bangladesh.

“Effective waste management is essential for environmental protection. Capacity must be strengthened at every stage of waste collection, segregation, recycling and safe disposal. Hong Kong’s experience and technical expertise in this area could be beneficial to Bangladesh,” he said.

The meeting also addressed water and noise pollution control.

Participants discussed opportunities for cooperation in these areas to protect public health and ecosystems from the effects of pollution. 

In this regard, the State Minister said “Water and noise pollution directly affect people’s health and daily lives. Effective pollution control requires public awareness and regular monitoring alongside sound management. Sharing experiences can play an important role in creating a clean, safe and livable environment.”

Hong Kong’s Secretary for Environment and Ecology, TSE Chin-wan, said “We are keen to advance cooperation with Bangladesh to achieve our shared goals of environmental protection and sustainable development. There are opportunities to exchange experience and knowledge in waste management, water and noise pollution control, and addressing the challenges of climate change. We are interested in supporting training and capacity development through our Belt and Road Sustainable Development Training Centre. We hope this cooperation will further advance both sides’ efforts in environmental management and sustainable development.”

Welcoming Hong Kong’s interest in cooperation, the State Minister said, international cooperation, knowledge sharing and skills development are essential to addressing the challenges of climate change.

“We view the prospect of cooperation through Hong Kong’s training centre positively. Such cooperation could help strengthen our institutional capacity in environmental and climate-related matters,” he said.

Dr. Shah Mohammad Tanvir Monsur, Consul General of Bangladesh in Hong Kong, attended the meeting along with other officials of the Bangladesh Consulate and relevant Hong Kong officials, reports UNB.