Australia and Bangladesh have signed a Statement of Commitment on development cooperation at high level consultations held in Dhaka this week. Last year Australia and Bangladesh celebrated 40 years of diplomatic relations, and development assistance has always been an important part of this relationship.
The agreement commits both governments to delivering a program of development cooperation by extending social services to the poor (particularly in health and education), providing economic opportunities, and strengthening resilience to natural disasters such as flooding. Australia’s support aligns with the Government of Bangladesh’s vision for the country, outlined in its sixth Five Year Plan 2011–2015.
Australian High Commissioner, Mr Greg Wilcock, and the Secretary of the Economic Relations Division, Ministry of Finance, Mr Md Abul Kalam Azad, signed the agreement during the first Australia–Bangladesh Development Cooperation Annual Dialogue held in Dhaka.
Mr Wilcock said Australia is committed to working with the Government of Bangladesh to strengthen national systems in service delivery to provide for the poorest and most vulnerable and welcomes the government’s vision to further reduce poverty and accelerate economic growth so that the benefits of development are shared by all.
Bangladesh has made significant progress towards achievement of the Millennium Development Goals, with improvements in maternal and child mortality rates and access to basic education. Next week Bangladesh and Australia, together with leaders from around the world, will come together in Washington, DC to commit to action on education and learning for all.
Australia’s aid program to Bangladesh has grown significantly in recent years, increasing from $33 million in 2006 to more than $93 million in 2012–13. Bangladesh is now the eighth-largest bilateral recipient of Australian aid.
More information
Australia’s development assistance to Bangladesh