Bangladesh’s Agricultural Milestone - Potato Exports to Nepal

• Bangladesh economy to grow 4.1pc in FY25, driven by steady remittances and reforms despite political uncertainties. Source

• Mongla Port sees record arrivals, with 42 foreign ships anchoring in early 2025, boosting revenue significantly. Source

• China extended Bangladesh's loan repayment period by 10 years, considering interest rate cuts and increased DFQF access for exports. Source

• Bangladesh begins potato export to Nepal, with 84 tons shipped at USD 152 per ton through Banglabandha port. Source

• Ready-made garment exports hit USD 38.48bn in 2024, with the EU contributing 50.3% of total exports. Source

• Global gold prices climb to a 10-week high, surpassing USD 2,727 per ounce due to market uncertainties. Source

• Power subsidies highest in the region, reflecting Bangladesh's heavy reliance on imported fuels. Source

• Bangladesh exports benefit from Trump’s trade tariffs on China and Mexico, boosting US demand for RMG products. Source

• Bangladesh plans SME Policy 2025, aiming to increase SME contributions to GDP to 35% by 2030. Source

• Garment exports to the EU grow 3% in Jan-Nov, despite challenges in unit price drops. Source

• Renewable energy targets lag with only 0.8% capacity, while incentives for 22 new solar plants offer hope. Source

Economy & Banking

• Bangladesh Economy to Grow 4.1pc in FY25:
  World Bank projects Bangladesh's economy to grow by 4.1% in FY25, citing subdued investment and industrial activity amid political uncertainty. Source

• IMF Loan Tranche Delayed:
  The release of the fourth tranche of the USD 4.7bn IMF loan has been deferred until March due to scheduling delays caused by natural disasters. Source

• Interest Payments Consume Half of Revenue Expenses:
  Bangladesh spent BDT 584.94bn (USD 4.79bn) on interest payments during the first four months of FY25, accounting for 51.5% of the revenue budget. Source

• Remittance Inflows Hit USD 1.21bn in January’s First 18 Days:
  Bangladesh received over USD 1.21bn in remittances in the first 18 days of January, with private banks accounting for USD 893.3mn. Source

• Treasury Bill Yields Drop Further:
  Yields on 91-day, 182-day, and 364-day treasury bills fell to 11.2%, 11.57%, and 11.74%, respectively, amid sluggish economic activity. Source

Trade & Commerce

• Bangladesh’s Power Subsidies Among Highest:
  Despite low consumption levels, the country has the highest per capita power subsidies in the region, at USD 18.53 per capita. Source

• Mongla Port Sees Increased Ship Arrivals:
  The arrival of foreign commercial ships at Mongla Port surged in early 2025, with 42 ships docking in the first two weeks, boosting revenue. Source

• Potato Exports Begin to Nepal:
  Bangladesh exported 84 tons of potatoes to Nepal via Banglabandha land port, priced at USD 152 per ton. Source

• RMG Exports Reach USD 38.48bn in 2024:
  Bangladesh's garment sector achieved USD 38.48bn in exports, with the EU accounting for 50.3% of the total. Source

• Cement Sector Faces Challenges:
  Political instability, inflation, and rising costs have reduced cement industry capacity to below 50%, though recovery is expected with stability. Source

• Handset Production Grows 17.17pc in 2024:
  Bangladesh’s handset production reached 27.3mn units in 2024, but the grey market accounts for 35% of demand. Source

International

• Sri Lanka’s Negative Inflation Sparks Concerns:
  Sri Lanka’s inflation dropped to -2%, prompting the government to increase tariffs to prevent stagnation. Source

• Veon Explores Satellite Connectivity with Starlink:
  Veon partners with Starlink to enhance cellular connectivity in rural Bangladesh, especially during disasters. Source