Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN)– World Bank Vice President for the South Asia Region, Annette Dixon, arrives in the capital on Saturday to build on the longstanding partnership between Bangladesh and the World Bank Group.

This is Dixon’s first visit to Bangladesh since assuming her position on December 15, 2014, a World Bank statement said.

“I am coming for my first visit to Bangladesh to learn about its development experience, as it is a global success in reducing poverty and increasing shared prosperity, with advances for women, increased life expectancy, literacy, and improved nutrition,” said Dixon.

“I will be meeting with a broad range of our partners in government, the private sector, civil society, and international partners to hear about how the World Bank’s assistance is helping Bangladesh achieve its development goals and how we can support the country’s next stage of development.”

The World Bank is now preparing the Bangladesh Country Partnership Framework that will guide the Bank’s engagement in Bangladesh over the next few years. Since 1972, the World Bank has committed more than $19 billion to support growth and development of the country.

Bangladesh is the biggest recipient of support from the International Development Association (IDA), the World Bank’s fund for the poorest countries. The World Bank’s current IDA portfolio in Bangladesh stands at $7.5 billion with 32 projects.

BBN/SSR/AD-21Feb15-5:20 pm (BST)