Bangladesh is set to sign a new country partnership framework agreement with the World Bank, with a government delegation scheduled to hold discussions with the global lender within the next two to three weeks to finalise the terms.
Speaking to journalists on Friday on the sidelines of the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Group in Bangkok, Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said that although there are no major disagreements over fundamental policy issues, both sides will determine the final details through discussions under a joint action plan.
Earlier in the day, the finance minister held meetings with representatives of Bank of America, Google, the IMF, Standard Chartered Bank, and Moody’s at the Sirikit International Convention Centre.
The discussions covered the overall economic situation of Bangladesh, debt-related issues, financial sector reforms, and other matters.
Referring to those engagements, the finance minister said the current year was particularly important for Bangladesh, noting that international organisations had also recognised the significance of this period.
He explained that, considering the circumstances of the country, World Bank, IMF, and other international development partners, including the Asian Development Bank (ADB), were working closely with Bangladesh to support its economic development and help it address global challenges.
Reaffirming the commitment of the government to implementing its election manifesto and programmes, the finance minister said the administration was preparing a specific development framework for the next five years.
Asked about comments made by the World Bank president and the IMF managing director during a plenary session earlier in the morning, Khosru said mutual cooperation and partnership remained the greatest strengths of low-income countries amid the ongoing global crisis.
He expressed hope that the heads of the two institutions would continue to extend sincere support and promote joint efforts with Bangladesh to meet public expectations and ensure sustainable development for the nation.
