The French Development Agency, Agence Française de Développement (AFD), has emerged as a significant development partner for Bangladesh, demonstrating a strong commitment to financing crucial government projects aimed at sustainable development. Over the past decade, despite a slow start in 2012, AFD funding has tripled, reaching Euro 1.8 billion in the last five years alone.

Unlike other Western development agencies, AFD exclusively collaborates with the Bangladesh government on vital infrastructure projects in sectors such as health, water supply, energy, and transport.

Benoit Chassatte, AFD country director in Bangladesh, highlighted the agency's trust in the government as they celebrate their 10-year anniversary in the country. He emphasized the importance of building mutual trust and understanding, which has paved the way for increased cooperation between AFD and the Bangladesh government.

A significant turning point in their relationship occurred in September 2020, during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, when AFD extended a €200 million concessional loan to assist the government in procuring vaccines from alternative sources. This marked the beginning of a more robust partnership, characterized by enhanced cooperation and mutual support.

Chassatte emphasized the agency's focus on climate-friendly projects and their commitment to addressing climate change challenges. AFD's total commitment to Bangladesh now stands at Euro 1.8 billion, including funding for the private sector.

France's interest in Bangladesh aligns with its broader Indo-Pacific strategy, aimed at

The French Development Agency, Agence Française de Développement (AFD), has emerged as a significant development partner for Bangladesh, demonstrating a strong commitment to financing crucial government projects aimed at sustainable development. Over the past decade, despite a slow start in 2012, AFD funding has tripled, reaching Euro 1.8 billion in the last five years alone.

Unlike other Western development agencies, AFD exclusively collaborates with the Bangladesh government on vital infrastructure projects in sectors such as health, water supply, energy, and transport.

Benoit Chassatte, AFD country director in Bangladesh, highlighted the agency's trust in the government as they celebrate their 10-year anniversary in the country. He emphasized the importance of building mutual trust and understanding, which has paved the way for increased cooperation between AFD and the Bangladesh government.

A significant turning point in their relationship occurred in September 2020, during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, when AFD extended a €200 million concessional loan to assist the government in procuring vaccines from alternative sources. This marked the beginning of a more robust partnership, characterized by enhanced cooperation and mutual support.

Chassatte emphasized the agency's focus on climate-friendly projects and their commitment to addressing climate change challenges. AFD's total commitment to Bangladesh now stands at Euro 1.8 billion, including funding for the private sector.

France's interest in Bangladesh aligns with its broader Indo-Pacific strategy, aimed at consolidating its presence in the region. President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Dhaka in September 2021 underscored France's commitment to fostering strategic autonomy and promoting a multipolar world.

AFD's success in Bangladesh stems from its approach of prioritizing collaboration with governmental bodies, promoting accountability and sustainability in project implementation. By entrusting funds to the government, AFD empowers them to mobilize local resources and engage communities, ensuring long-term transformative change.

Looking ahead, AFD remains dedicated to supporting Bangladesh in fighting climate change impacts and graduating from the Least Developed Country (LDC) status. With a focus on adaptation initiatives and collaboration with the government, AFD aims to contribute significantly to Bangladesh's sustainable development goals in the coming years.

its presence in the region. President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Dhaka in September 2021 underscored France's commitment to fostering strategic autonomy and promoting a multipolar world.

AFD's success in Bangladesh stems from its approach of prioritizing collaboration with governmental bodies, promoting accountability and sustainability in project implementation. By entrusting funds to the government, AFD empowers them to mobilize local resources and engage communities, ensuring long-term transformative change.

Looking ahead, AFD remains dedicated to supporting Bangladesh in fighting climate change impacts and graduating from the Least Developed Country (LDC) status. With a focus on adaptation initiatives and collaboration with the government, AFD aims to contribute significantly to Bangladesh's sustainable development goals in the coming years.