Governor Ahsan H Mansur wants corporate flag abroad as reserves stabilise

He says stronger reserves allow liberalised overseas investment

Governor Ahsan H Mansur has said he wants to see Bangladesh’s corporate flag flying abroad, signalling support for more liberalised overseas investment as reserves strengthen.

Speaking at a seminar organised jointly by Policy Exchange Bangladesh and the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) in Gulshan on Monday evening, Mansur said foreign currency reserves had recovered from a critical phase.

“Reserves now stand at $33 billion and we aim to reach $35 billion by June,” he noted.

He said import growth rose 6 percent in December, while balance of payments pressures had eased.

Liquidity in the banking sector has also improved, with deposits rising by Tk 2.2 trillion in 2025.

“Banks now have liquidity and will be compelled to lend to good clients, which should lower interest rates by 2 percent,” Mansur said.

The governor stressed that loan rescheduling facilities were extended without political bias, citing approvals for groups including Gazi, Bashundhara and Monno Ceramics.

“Business will be supported wherever potential is shown,” he added.

British Deputy High Commissioner James Goldman told the seminar that the UK was keen to partner in investment, with tariff benefits for Bangladeshi exports continuing until 2029.

Policy Exchange Chairman Mashrur Reaz said access to reliable data remained a major challenge.

MCCI President Kamran T Rahman delivered the welcome speech, while PRI Chairman Zaidi Sattar and deputy governors Habibur Rahman and Nurun Nahar also attended.

The seminar highlighted the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), published monthly by MCCI with UK support.

December’s PMI stood at 54.2 points, indicating expansion, with agriculture and services showing growth while manufacturing and construction dipped slightly.