Moon Desk: The visiting European Investment Bank (EIB) delegation led by Vice-president Nicola Beer met Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed this afternoon in a hotel in the capital.
The discussion focused on the EIB’s ongoing financial support, the development priorities of the interim government and the possibilities to explore new areas for financing in coming years.
During the meeting the Finance Adviser, EIB Vice President reassured their support for the interim government and expressed their interest to double the financing portfolio of EIB in Bangladesh, said an ERD press release.
EIB showed significant interest to invest further in environment, railway, water, green energy as well as in private sector.
The Vice President confirmed additional financing of 162 million euro for two ongoing water-sector projects and also 650 million euro in two pipeline projects in railway and ICT sector which are under process.
Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed acknowledged the long-standing partnership with EIB and appreciated significant support to Bangladesh for socio-economic development.
He reiterated the commitment of the interim government for a congenial environment in the country to boost investment as well as economic activities.
The Adviser informed that the present government is trying to recover the economy and bring the growth on track and stressed on the necessity of financial support from EIB in the context of LDC graduation, the need for development in sectors of RMG, agriculture, education, skill development, renewable energy and leather, and also research and innovation and employment generation.
He appreciated EIB’s interest in increasing support for the private sector which is crucial for the economy and sustainable development of the country.
The EIB delegation headed by Vice President arrived yesterday for a three-day visit to review existing partnership, discuss various issues and explore expanded investment cooperation with the interim government of Bangladesh.
This is the highest-level visit from EIB so far for which both sides considered as it an opportune moment given the growing interest of the EU to deepen relations with Bangladesh and the increasing engagement of EIB in development cooperation.
The EIB of EU, owned by 27 EU member states, and the largest multilateral financing institute of the world has been supporting Bangladesh since 2012 in critical sectors like infrastructure, transport, water and health with the financing portfolio of nearly one billion USD for the country.
Currently six projects with EIB financing are being implemented in Bangladesh.
In the meeting with Finance Adviser, Md. Shahriar Kader Siddiky, Secretary, Economic Relations Division, Dr. Md. Khairuzzaman Mozumder, Secretary, Finance Division, Ministry of Finance and concerned officials of ERD were present.
Michael MLLER, Ambassador, Head of the EU Delegation to Bangladesh and high officials of EIB were present from both sides .
