DHAKA, Oct 7, 2021 (BSS) - Leading economists of Standard Chartered have 
observed that growth will be sustained over 7 percent in FY22-26 and this 
should drive Bangladesh's GDP up to US$ 500 billion and per capita to $3,000 
by FY26.

  Bangladesh remains a compelling growth story, despite the global pandemic, 
they opined.

  Members of the bank's global research team were speaking at a media session 
held today following the 2021 Bangladesh session of the Bank's Global 
Research Briefing series, said a press release. 

   Planning Minister MA Mannan graced the event as the chief guest, while 
around 300 of the bank's clients joined via video conferencing during the 
virtual event. 

  In his speech, MA Mannan said, "The people of Bangladesh, including the 
government and our business community, have once again demonstrated our 
tremendous resilience ensuring that our shared development journey might have 
slowed, though it has not been halted. We remain as committed as ever in 
fostering a business-friendly climate, so that we can continue on our journey 
of inclusive progress and prosperity."

   Global Head of Research and Chief Strategist of the Standard Chartered 
Eric Robertsen said, "While the pace and distribution of global recovery 
remains highly uneven, Bangladesh has made a strong comeback with one of the 
highest GDP growths in the world in 2020. A robust vaccination program and 
implementation of strategic infrastructure projects are expected to further 
increase momentum towards the nation's LDC graduation". 

  Standard Chartered Economist for South Asia Saurav Anand said, 
"Bangladesh's economy is set to accelerate after a speed bump, with GDP 
growth forecast at 5.5 percent in FY21 and 7.2 percent in FY22. The momentum 
will be driven by an export demand recovery, strong remittance inflows and 
public investment. Policy support is a prerequisite for a smooth transition 
to middle-income status, with per capita GDP set to reach $3,000 by FY26."

  Chief Executive Officer of the Standard Chartered Bangladesh Naser Ezaz 
Bijoy said, "The government of Bangladesh has navigated the internal and 
external challenges of the pandemic remarkably well. The resilience of 
Bangladesh economy gives us cause for optimism. As the vaccination drive 
continues, the economy is set to accelerate, while lower debt levels compared 
to its peers provide medium term fiscal runway for growth. There are 
significant opportunities for productivity gains through technology adoption, 
technology inclusiveness through mobile-based solutions and the ITES sector, 
while growth-supportive policies focus sectors will continue to spur private 
investment and FDI."