Bangladesh, with a population of 180 million, expects significant export growth despite ongoing political instability and shifts in global trade. The Ministry of Finance, referencing the World Trade Organization (WTO), forecasts a global trade rebound, predicting a 2.6% growth in 2024 and 3.3% in 2025. Emerging Market and Developing Economies (EMDEs) like Bangladesh are set to outperform advanced economies, with EMDE exports projected to grow by about 4%.

Bangladesh’s export growth is expected to decline from 8.79% in 2023 to 3.93% in 2024 but is anticipated to recover to 8.83% by 2027. Imports are also forecasted to rise, with 4.1% growth in 2024 and 18% in 2025, while advanced economies like the UK and USA are likely to see low or negative growth rates.

USAID will provide a $15 million grant for the ClimAct Project in Bangladesh, aimed at supporting the country’s green and climate-resilient initiatives. The project will assist the Ministry of Environment in implementing the National Adaptation Plan and Nationally Determined Contributions, focusing on policy and planning, accessing finance, and governance of climate actions.

In the first quarter of FY 2024-25, Bangladesh received $846.12 million in foreign aid, a 34% drop from $1.28 billion in the same period last year, according to Economic Relations Division data. Debt servicing surged by 33%, with $1.13 billion repaid, up from $870.46 million in Q1 FY24. New aid commitments saw a dramatic decline of over 99%, falling to $27.41 million from $2.88 billion a year earlier, with no new loan deals signed. The aid received included $182.50 million in grants and $663.62 million in loans, compared to $50.52 million in grants and $1.23 billion in loans last year.