The World Bank Vice-President for South Asia, Martin Raiser, has reaffirmed the global lender’s continued support to help Bangladesh navigate through the current economic challenges and achieve resilient and inclusive growth.
Raiser, who concluded his second visit to Bangladesh on Monday, said the war in Ukraine, the impacts of the Covid pandemic, and the climate crisis have created unprecedented challenges for the global economy, according to a press release.
“Every country is struggling to cope, and Bangladesh is no exception.”
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He said 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.”
Raiser met Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday and thanked her 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,” he said.
Raiser also met 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, World Bank’s incoming country director for Bangladesh and Bhutan, who will assume his position on January 1 next year.
