World Bank pledges strong support for Bangladesh's development

World Bank Vice President for the South Asia Region, Annette Dixon, has pledged strong support for the development of Bangladesh.

Dixon praised Monday Bangladesh's progress in poverty reduction and economic development during her second visit to the country in her current role.

"The World Bank will continue to support Bangladesh in areas necessary to move up within middle income country status. Bangladesh will need sustained reform efforts for further advancement," said Dixon.

The World Bank classified Bangladesh as a lower-middle country earlier this year.

According to a statement of the bank, Dixon visited Bangladesh at a time when the World Bank is preparing its Country Partnership Framework, which will guide the World Bank's engagement in Bangladesh.

The framework is aligned with the government's seventh five- year plan and follows the same planning cycle, it said.

Dixon met with senior government officials, including the finance minister and the governor of Bangladesh Bank, and discussed the World Bank's Country Partnership Framework for Bangladesh for fiscal years 2016-20. She also met with civil society leaders.

"The World Bank will help Bangladesh address its priorities, including creating more and better jobs, a key driver for growth and shared prosperity. World Bank support will continue to improve power and transportation, manage urbanization, improve health and education outcomes, as well as mitigate climate change impacts," said Dixon.