BD to sign partnership framework agreement with WB: Finance Minister

Bangladesh is set to sign a new partnership framework agreement with the World Bank. A government delegation will hold talks with the global lender within the next two to three weeks to finalise the terms of the agreement.

Although there are no major differences over the key policy issues, the details will be finalised through discussions and a joint action plan.

Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury made the remarks while speaking to journalists on Friday afternoon on the sidelines of the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group in Bangkok.

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 Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. Discussions covered Bangladesh’s overall situation, debt-related issues and reforms in the financial sector, among other matters.

Speaking about the meetings, the finance minister said this year was particularly important for Bangladesh, a fact that international organisations were also recognising.

Taking this into account, the World Bank, IMF, Asian Development Bank (ADB) and other international development partners are working closely with Bangladesh to support its economic development and help the country navigate global crises, he said.

Reiterating the government’s commitment to implementing the election manifesto and programmes of the government elected by the people, the finance minister said a specific development framework agreement was being prepared for the next five years.

Asked about the remarks made at the morning’s plenary session by the World Bank president and the IMF managing director, the finance minister said mutual cooperation and partnership were the greatest strengths for low-income countries amid the current global crisis.

He expressed hope that the heads of the two institutions would continue to extend their sincere support and promote joint efforts with the government to meet public expectations and ensure the country’s sustainable development.

-MT