Washington:Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has called for increased support from the United States, citing the strengthening of bilateral relations and Bangladesh's rising imports from the US.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the minister expressed this view following a meeting with US Treasury Department officials. The discussions covered debt management, US assistance, and overall relations between Bangladesh and the US. Additionally, Chowdhury engaged with representatives from the China Export-Import Bank and other US agencies involved in providing assistance.
Chowdhury noted that while Bangladesh has not received substantial past support from the US, the evolving bilateral relations and increased imports necessitate additional assistance. He emphasized that Bangladesh is purchasing aircraft, oil, soybeans, and other products from the US, prompting the need for greater support. The US officials reportedly agreed with this perspective.
The finance minister highlighted that Bangladesh's economic policy aims to reduce dependency on loans while boosting foreign direct investment and joint ventures. Discussions with the China EXIM Bank focused on this policy shift, and Chowdhury expressed optimism about progressing with this approach.
He stressed that Bangladesh's significant imports from the US have implications for bilateral trade and the country's external balance of payments. Chowdhury reiterated that the timing is crucial for US support, and the details of such assistance would likely become clearer in the coming days.