Bangladesh has been a member of the IFC since 1976. As of January 31, 2007, IFC’s committed portfolio stood at $179.82 million in 11 projects. Of this, $153.6 million is for IFC’s own account and $26.2 million for B-loan participants. These span a range of sectors including power, telecommunications, cement, and financial markets.
Three banks in Bangladesh currently participate in the IFC’s Global Trade Finance Program. These are: BRAC Bank ($3m exposure), Dhaka Bank ($5.3m), Eastern Bank ($10m). Two more are under preparation: Jamuna Bank ($12m) and Southeast Bank ($5m).
IFC is actively investigating other possible investments in the agri-business sector, manufacturing, financial services sectors. Further trade finance transactions are also being discussed.
IFC is in touch with the Tata group from India as a potential source of financing for its proposed $2.5bn investment program in Bangladesh, to include steel, power and fertilizer plants. Implementation of the program is pending agreement with government on terms of gas supply, fiscal regime etc.
