Martin Raiser, vice president of the World Bank (WB) for South Asia, arrived in Dhaka today for a four-day visit to strengthen the institution’s longstanding partnership with Bangladesh.

According to a press release, Raiser will meet senior government officials, including the interim government’s chief adviser, the finance adviser, the energy adviser, and the governor of Bangladesh Bank. Discussions will focus on the country’s development priorities and future collaborations with the WB.

Raiser is accompanied by Pablo Saavedra, the WB’s vice president for prosperity, who oversees the institution’s work on economic policy, poverty reduction, and investment.

The WB has been a key development partner for Bangladesh since its independence, committing approximately $44 billion through grants and concessional credits. Bangladesh currently hosts the largest ongoing programme supported by the WB’s International Development Association (IDA).