“Working together, we shall usher in a more prosperous era for China-Bangladesh cooperation,” said the Chinese Ambassador while addressing at the ‘Belt and Road Forum Bangladesh 2018’ held here recently.
He said contributions and wisdom of business and industrial communities are vital to win-win cooperation between China and Bangladesh.
Citibank, N.A., Bangladesh hosted the event underlining Citi’s commitment to support Bangladesh, global clients and investors with the opportunities offered by the BRI, said a press release on Sunday.
Principal Coordinator, SDGs Affairs, Prime Minister’s Office M Abul Kalam Azad and key stakeholders from the government and private enterprises attended it.
Abul Kalam in his keynote presentation provided a detailed overview of the economy and the investment opportunities in Bangladesh.
James Morrow, Citi Sub-Cluster Head, for Bangladesh & Sri Lanka outlined why Citi is focusing on ‘One Belt One Road’ (BRI) initiative.
The BRI is an attempt to foster trade and investment with an inter-continental scope. Citi has banking franchises in most of the BRI countries, including Bangladesh, and seeks to support its clients through a full range of banking solutions as they participate in the BRI initiative.
Bangladesh with its excellent growth track-record and prospects offers good opportunities to foreign investors.
Managing Director and Citi Country Officer, Bangladesh N Rajashekaran said they are banking with clients in 58 BRI markets, more than any other bank globally and they have over 100 years of history of operating across the countries along the Belt and Road.
“We look forward to continuing our tradition of serving our clients by enhancing connectivity and facilitating the entry and operations of foreign investors in Bangladesh,” Rajashekaran said.
Bangladesh Head of Corporate and Investment Banking Shams Zaman talked about the need for creating access to long-term financing to support BRI projects in the most competitive and structurally efficient fashion keeping in view their long term viability.
“Developing capital market solutions in each country in addition to overseas financing should create more sources of liquidity.”
Head of Corporate and Investment Banking, Citi China, Johnson Yuan said, “With our local expertise and long-standing relationships with clients and regulators along the Belt & Road, it places Citi in an excellent position to be the partner of choice for clients as they move forward on the BRI.”