IFC, JPMorgan eye investments in Bangladesh’s financial sector, capital market: Khosru

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Wednesday said both the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and JPMorgan have expressed interest in investing in Bangladesh, particularly in the financial sector and capital market, following separate meetings held on the sidelines of the IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington, DC.

Briefing reporters at the end of the third day of the meetings, the minister said Bangladesh is currently facing a significant capital deficit, worsened by currency depreciation that has eroded the capital base of many business groups.

He said the banking sector is also under pressure due to liquidity shortages and concerns over capital adequacy, while several government-backed projects remain stalled.

The IFC, the private-sector arm of the World Bank Group, has shown strong willingness not only to provide technical and financial assistance but also to make direct investments in Bangladesh.

According to the minister, areas of IFC’s interest include injecting liquidity into banks, extending trade finance support through guarantees, and supporting private-sector companies facing capital shortfalls. The corporation is also keen to explore foreign participation in stalled projects to help revive them.

The discussions also covered the securitisation of government assets, including major infrastructure such as the Jamuna Bridge, to unlock capital for reinvestment.

Khosru said IFC’s potential support would be crucial in addressing weaknesses in the banking sector, capital erosion in businesses, and the broader fallout from currency depreciation.

Meanwhile, JPMorgan has also shown interest in investing in Bangladesh’s capital market, which is currently experiencing a prolonged downturn.

The finance minister stressed the need to introduce new financial instruments, including bonds and structured products, to deepen the market and broaden investment opportunities.

He said a prospective investment by JPMorgan would send a strong positive signal globally, encouraging other international investors to enter Bangladesh’s stock market and helping restore confidence and capital inflows in the near term.

The minister also said the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has expressed willingness to support Bangladesh in improving the skills of its migrant workforce.

A 14-member delegation, led by the finance minister, is attending the Spring Meetings, which began on April 13 and will conclude on April 18.

The delegation includes 11 members from Bangladesh, while three others joined in Washington.

Among the delegation members are Finance Secretary Dr Khairuzzaman Mozumder, National Board of Revenue (NBR) Chairman Abdur Rahman Khan, Bangladesh Bank Governor Mostaqur Rahman, Economic Relations Division Secretary Shahriar Kader Siddiky, and other senior officials from the relevant ministries and divisions.

Several business leaders, including Basumati Group Chairman ZM Golam Nabi, are also attending the high-level gathering.

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