Tata conglomerate chairman Ratan Tata's three-day visit to Bangladesh beginning October 13 has generated enthusiasm among international donors and business community, reports PTI. During his visit, Tata will sign an "expression of interest" for investing $ two billion in three sectors with the state-run Board of Investment, business sources said. Bangladesh's Industries Minister Moulana Matiur Rahman Nizami heads a committee evaluating the Tata's proposals. 

The Tata group has proposed to invest $700' million in basic steel industry and an equal amount in a 1000 megawatt power generation project, while another $600 million for a fertilizer factory. The three plans would initially need 200 MMCFT natural. gas daily and it was likely to go upto 350 MMCFT when in full operation. If the plans get through, it would be the largest single foreign investment ever in Bangladesh.

The international donors "may desist from pushing the government on gas-export once Tata's plans get implemented as the plants will create huge domestic demand," the 'Daily Star' newspaper said, Bangladesh has sought funding from international donors for pipeline project to provide natural gas and electricity in the country's western region for the Tata plants, the daily reported, adding the World Bank officials had also discussed the massive investment plan with government. Business community here believes the Tata's investment plan would help build confidence among other prospective foreign investors.