Bangladesh eyes more AIIB support

“Bangladesh looks forward to the continued support of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) through its long term engagements for the development of Bangladesh” said by Md. Shahriar Kader Siddiky, Secretary, Economic Relations Division (ERD) during his meeting with Jin Liqun, President of AIIB on 25 September 2024 at the margin of the AIIB annual event being held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. According to a statement received here on Thursday from Bangladesh Embassy
in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, the meeting was also attended by the Mirana Mahrukh, Additional Secretary (ERD), Bangladesh Ambassador to Uzbekistan Mohammad Monirul Islam, Masuma Akter, Joint Secretary (ERD) and Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman, Deputy Secretary (ERD).
ERD Secretary Siddiky briefed the AIIB President about the commitment and priorities of the interim government led by Professor Muhammad Yunus for making a discrimination free democratic Bangladesh by carrying out essential reforms in all the necessary sectors of the country including its social and economic landscapes. He sought the AIIB’s sustained and meaningful cooperation in its new journey for a transformative change and advancements in Bangladesh. He urged the President to consider turning terms and conditions of the loans more suitable and feasible for the developing countries including Bangladesh. He also requested the President to establish AIIB resident office in Bangladesh and accommodate more Bangladeshi professionals in AIIB structures for better coordination and projects identification.
The President of AIIB expressed his satisfaction over the ongoing cooperation between Bangladesh and AIIB and assured of the organization’s continued involvements in the progress and prosperity of Bangladesh. Highlighting the importance of productivity and efficiency of the projects, he voiced his interests in proactively supporting the crucially important projects in Bangladesh, especially in the fields of climate change and emergency support natural disaster management. He gave a positive gesture in working with Bangladesh through co-financing modalities along with other multilateral development financial institutions and partners. He also encouraged the Bangladeshi professionals to compete for various positions in the Bank, especially at the higher levels.
Bangladesh delegation is currently attending the AIIB annual event in Samarkand, Uzbekistan and expected to hold a host of important bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the event during their stay in the city.