Trump's 'Drill, Baby, Drill' policy: Bangladesh inks landmark LNG deal with US firm
NN Report :
In a groundbreaking move that underscores America’s global energy leadership, the Government of Bangladesh has signed a transformative Heads of Agreement (HOA) with Louisiana-based Argent LLC to purchase up to 5 million metric tonnes of liquefied natural gas (LNG) annually.
This landmark deal is the first major LNG offtake agreement under President Trump’s bold “Drill, Baby, Drill” energy mandate, symbolising the United States’ commitment to leveraging its abundant natural resources for economic prosperity and strategic alliances worldwide.
Chett Chiasson, Executive Director of the Greater Lafourche Port Commission (GLPC), which oversees Port Fourchon, emphasised the significance of this collaboration:
“This partnership is a testament to Louisiana’s rich history as an energy powerhouse and its growing role in LNG exports as a critical driver of global energy security. It represents another success for American energy policy, bringing high-paying jobs to Louisiana while bolstering the United States’ leadership in the global energy market.”
President Trump’s “Drill, Baby, Drill” initiative, a cornerstone of his energy independence agenda, provided the foundation for this historic agreement. By promoting the exploration and export of U.S. energy resources, the policy has revitalised domestic energy markets and opened new avenues for international cooperation and trade.
“This agreement not only ensures a reliable energy supply for Bangladesh’s expanding industrial base but also strengthens our strategic partnership with the United States. By embracing the principles of ‘America First’ and ‘Bangladesh First,’ this collaboration highlights a fair, balanced, and mutually beneficial approach that harnesses the strengths of both nations to drive economic growth, regional stability, and shared prosperity for our people,” said Ashik Chowdhury, Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA).
“The sole offtaker in Bangladesh is Petrobangla, a wholly state-owned entity, which has been seeking long-term solutions to the ever-rising demand for energy in Bangladesh.”
Bangladesh, a rising economic force in South and Southeast Asia, has placed its trust in US LNG to power its industrial and commercial ambitions, enabling it to transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources.
Argent LLC highlighted the pivotal role of Port Fourchon as a hub for energy innovation and trade:
“Argent LNG is pleased to announce the signing of a Heads of Agreement (HOA) with Bangladesh, marking a significant step in strengthening energy partnerships,” said Jonathan Bass, Chairman and CEO of Argent LNG. “This agreement paves the way for the United States to supply reliable baseload energy to Bangladesh, enabling the country to expand its ability to grow.
This partnership underscores our shared commitment to fostering bilateral and equitable trade, supporting supply chain securitisation, and deepening ties between our two nations.”
The partnership also reinforces the US’s role as a reliable supplier of clean energy, displacing higher-carbon fuels and reducing global emissions, all while advancing the Trump administration’s energy independence goals.
This agreement is expected to generate significant economic benefits, creating thousands of jobs in Louisiana during the construction and operation of Argent LNG’s export facility. Furthermore, it contributes to the global energy transition by providing a cleaner alternative to coal.
With the agreement setting the stage for further collaborations between the United States and Bangladesh, it reflects the power of U.S. energy policies to drive international partnerships that benefit both nations.
Under the banner of “Drill, Baby, Drill,” this deal marks a new era of global energy trade – one where American ingenuity and natural resources fuel economic growth and energy security worldwide.