Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Wednesday said both the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and JPMorgan expressed interest in investing in Bangladesh, particularly in the financial sector and capital market, following meetings on the sidelines of the World Bank-IMF Spring Meetings.
Briefing reporters at the end of the third day of the meetings, the minister said Bangladesh was facing a notable capital deficit, worsened by currency depreciation that has eroded capital among many business groups.
He noted that the banking sector was under strain, with liquidity shortages and concerns over capital adequacy, while several government projects remained stalled.
The IFC, the private-sector arm of the World Bank Group, has shown willingness not only to provide technical and financial support but also to invest directly, he said. Areas of interest include injecting liquidity into banks, offering trade finance through guarantees, and supporting private-sector companies facing capital shortfalls.
The corporation is also keen to explore investment opportunities to help revive stalled projects through foreign participation.
The minister said discussions also covered securitisation of government assets -- such as major bridges including the Jamuna Bridge -- to unlock capital for reinvestment. The IFC is interested in supporting such initiatives, which could help reduce the government's financing burden for large infrastructure projects.
He said IFC's potential investment would be crucial in addressing banking sector weaknesses, business capital erosion and the broader impact of currency depreciation.
Meanwhile, JPMorgan has expressed interest in investing in Bangladesh's capital market, which is currently experiencing a downturn.
The minister stressed the need to introduce new financial instruments, including bonds and structured products, to deepen the market.
Khosru said JPMorgan's prospective investment would send a strong signal to global investors, encouraging greater participation in Bangladesh's stock market and helping restore confidence and capital inflows in the near term.
The finance minister also said the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has expressed willingness to support Bangladesh in enhancing the skills of its migrant workforce.
A 14-member delegation, led by the minister, is attending the meetings. Eleven members travelled from Bangladesh, while three joined in Washington.
The delegation includes Finance Secretary Dr Md Khairuzzaman Mozumder, National Board of Revenue (NBR) Chairman Md Abdur Rahman Khan, Bangladesh Bank Governor Md Mostaqur Rahman, Economic Relations Division Secretary Md Shahriar Kader Siddiky, and other senior officials.
Several business leaders, including Basumati Group Chairman ZM Golam Nabi, are also attending the high-level gathering.
The Spring Meetings began on April 13 and will conclude on April 18.
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