On her maiden visit IFAD VP opens new office in BD

Gerardine Mukeshimana, Vice-President of The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), on Thursday inaugurated a new country office in Bangladesh on her first official visit to the country, marking another step forward in IFADs enduring commitment to supporting Bangladeshs rural development efforts.

The IFAD delegation, led by the Vice-President, had earlier visited IFAD-financed projects in northern Bangladesh, where they met officials from implementing partners -- the Local Government Engineering Department and Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation -- in Nilphamari, and Thakurgaon districts. They also and engaged directly with project participants, including small-scale farmers and agribusinesses. Through IFADs support, these communities have gained access to vital resources such as finance, inputs, training, and market linkage information Speaking at the event, Mukeshimana said: "Over the past week, I have seen how IFAD and the Government of Bangladesh have worked together to empower small-scale farmers - especially women and youth - to adapt to climate change, increase their incomes, and produce more nutritious food for their communities. IFADs new office in Bangladesh marks a strategic milestone in our mission to be closer to our partners, foster stronger collaboration, and drive even impactful change in rural Bangladesh."

Echoing her positive and encouraging remarks Additional Secretary and Wing Chief (Coordination and NORDIC), Economic Relations Division, Government of Bangladesh, Md. Hafizur Rahman said: "With the opening of the new IFAD country office in Bangladesh, we applaud their commitment to advancing rural development. This milestone highlights our shared dedication to empowering communities and promoting sustainability. Wishing IFAD all the best on this new journey."
As IFAD strengthens its presence and expands its financial resources in Bangladesh, it recognizes the immense potential for even greater impact through enhanced partnerships with the government, bilateral and multilateral donor agencies, and the private sector. IFAD-assisted interventions have invested in everything from ensuring easy and affordable access to rural finance and enhancing infrastructure development to promoting climate-smart agricultural practices.

Reehana Rifat Raza, IFAD Regional Director, Asia-Pacific and Arnoud Hameleers, IFAD Country Director, Bangladesh also spoke among others on the occasion.

The ceremony was attended by distinguished guests, including Stephanie Micallef, Senior Adviser to the Vice-President, Jiaoqun Shi, Country Representative, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in Bangladesh, and Domenico Scalpelli, Representatives, World Food Programme Bangladesh, were also present.

Since 1978, IFAD has supported the Government of Bangladesh in its ambitious rural development goals. Over the past 45 years, IFAD has supported 37 projects, mobilizing USD 3.9 billion in financing, to improve the lives and livelihoods of more than 11 million families.