The Honourable Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State (International Development), announced $130 million for five projects to strengthen sustainable and inclusive economic growth throughout the Indo-Pacific Region.

Project: Canadian Agri-Innovation Export Hub
Partner: Bioenterprise Canada Corporation
Funding: $18 million (up to six years)

This initiative will support partnerships between Canadian innovators and Bangladesh agri-food stakeholders to improve productivity, resilience and sustainability for smallholder farmers, particularly women, and support the broader agricultural innovation ecosystem in Bangladesh.

Project: Bangladesh Economic Engagement Partner
Partner: IBRD Trust Funds – World Bank
Funding: $5 million (up to five years)

This initiative will support Bangladesh’s efforts toward a successful and sustainable graduation from least developed country status by contributing to nationally identified economic and institutional priorities. Through collaboration with Bangladeshi partners, the project will support reforms and capacity development in tax administration, public financial management, trade and financial systems, and data quality, helping to advance sustainable and resilient economic development.

Project: IFC Private Sector Development
Partner: International Finance Cooperation (IFC)
Funding: $4 million (up to five years)

Through collaboration with public and private sector partners, this initiative will help strengthen risk management practices, expand digital financial services, increasing financing opportunities for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises’ and promote responsible lending, while fostering stronger economic partnerships between Canada and Bangladesh.

Project: Partnership for Resilient Institutions and Market Expansion in Bangladesh (PRIME) / Expert Deployment Trade Reforms
Partner: Cowater International
Funding: $18 million (up to six years)

This initiative will enhance Bangladesh’s business and trade environment by supporting regulatory reforms, streamlining business processes, addressing competitiveness and export-readiness constraints related to customs and international standards, and supporting the Government of Bangladesh’s trade negotiation capacity as it prepares for graduation from least developed country status.

Project: Loan to Muangthai Capital
Partner: Muangthai Capital (MTC)
Funding: $85 million (five-year loan)

FinDev Canada’s loan will fund MTC’ s efforts to increase access to formal financial services for underserved rural women-owned micro, small and medium-sized enterprises. It is part of a broader financing package that includes private sector lenders, showcasing how Canada’s direct foreign investment can attract private capital to support Thailand’s inclusive development.