The World Bank stands ready to help Bangladesh navigate through the current economic challenges brought on by the Ukraine war and achieve resilient and inclusive growth, said its South Asian chief.
“The war in Ukraine, the impacts of the COVID pandemic, and the climate crisis have created unprecedented challenges for the global economy.
Every country is struggling to cope, and Bangladesh is no exception,” said Martin Raiser, the WB’s vice-president for South Asia.
Bangladesh can sustain rapid growth by strengthening macro, fiscal and financial sector reform and continuing investment in human capital and climate resilience.
“We are ready to lend our full support to these efforts at this challenging time,” he said after meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Raiser thanked Hasina for the country’s leading role in climate change adaptation and disaster preparedness.
“The World Bank is proud to be a part of Bangladesh’s tremendous development journey for the past 50 years.
Bangladesh provides valuable insights and important lessons in rapid poverty reduction and sustained growth for many other countries around the world,” said Raiser after the conclusion of his second visit to Dhaka after assuming the role in July.
During his three-day visit, Raiser also met with Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal and Bangladesh Bank Governor Abdur Rouf Talukder and discussed policy measures to mitigate recent global shocks and build economic resilience.
They also discussed the World Bank’s support for Bangladesh’s development priorities.
He was accompanied by Abdoulaye Seck, the WB’s incoming country director for Bangladesh and Bhutan. Seck will assume his position on January 1, 2023.