DHAKA, Jan 9, 2019 (BSS) – Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal today directed the Economic Relations Division (ERD) under the Ministry of Finance to continue upholding the interest of the country during loan negotiations with the development partners.
He also directed the ERD officials to stay in strong position while keeping the conditions of the various loan agreements in favor of the country.
The Finance Minister gave the directives while attending an introductory meeting with the officials of the ERD at the NEC Conference Room in city’s Sher-e-Bangla Nagar area.
Directing the ERD to project the sound loan repayment capacity of Bangladesh before the world, AHM Mustafa Kamal, commonly known as Lotus Kamal said, “Bangladesh has not even made an hour delay while repaying installment of any loan while the country’s external debt-GDP ratio is only 13.2 % where the risk-free ceiling is 40%.”
Noting that the external debt-GDP ratio of Bangladesh is one of the lowest in the world, Kamal also directed the ERD officials to continue maintaining this sound loan repayment capacity which will enable the country to get foreign assistance with ease and comfort in the coming days.
He also suggested preferring foreign assistance in those projects which will be undertaken to improve the livelihood of rural people alongside other projects.
Earlier, ERD Secretary Monowar Ahmed briefed the Finance Minister about the ongoing activities and future plan of the Division. Other officials of the ERD were present.