EU, BD sign $783m aid deal

European Union (EU) ambassador and head of delegation in Bangladesh Pierre Mayadon said they want to see Bangladesh as a steady, peaceful and prosperous country.
"Bangladesh needs to improve its public and private sector efficiency, develop skilled manpower, and ensure democratic governance for fostering economic growth and becoming a middle-income country (MIC) by 2021."
He was replying to a question at an aid deal signing ceremony at the Economic Relations Division (ERD) in the capital on Thursday.
The EU ambassador and ERD Senior Secretary M Mejbahuddin signed the deal on behalf of their respective sides.
The EU's Euro 690 million (US$783 million) grant will be utilised in seven years period (2014-2020) to help improve Bangladesh's democratic governance, human rights and food security situations, and create a large pool of skilled manpower.
Of the proposed Euro 690 million grant, the European Commission,  EU's development agency, will provide Euro 103-138 million for strengthening democratic governance, Euro 276-310 million for food security and nutrition, Euro 276-310 million for education and skill development, and Euro 7.0 million for supporting measures.
About cooperation with Bangladesh, Mr Mayadon said they want to support Bangladesh, so that it can graduate into a MIC.
He also said Bangladesh is one of the biggest ready-made garment (RMG) suppliers to the European countries. "We want to help Bangladesh for improving its industrial condition for increasing export every year."
Meanwhile, an EU delegation from its headquarters is now in the capital on a two-day visit (Feb 26-27) for reviewing the country's democratic situation, human rights, food security and skilled manpower development issues.
EU is one of the major grant providers to Bangladesh. According to ERD, the country received US$1.71 billion grant from EC until last December.
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