Christine Engstrom, director for ADB’s private sector financial institutions division, said: “The textile and garment sectors are essential parts of the Bangladesh economy, raising incomes for large numbers of workers, particularly women.
“We are confident that our partnership with Eastern Bank, a trusted financial institution in Bangladesh, will contribute to the development of the textile and garment sectors in the country.”
Bangladesh is the second largest exporter of textiles and garments, and these accounted for about 15% of the country’s gross domestic product, employing more then 4 million people, some 85% of whom are women.
The loan will be used to finance socially and environmentally sustainable projects specifically to meet the higher structural, fire, and electrical safety standards now required.