Bangladesh’s trade deficit declined significantly to USD 4.6 bln during the July-January period, down from USD 13.39 bln the previous year, with a notable 2.5% YoY increase in exports and an 18.1% decrease in imports. The current account has also shifted to a USD 3.15 bln surplus, a substantial improvement from the previous year’s USD 4.65 bln deficit. The upcoming budget aims to prioritize job creation and sectoral reforms, with expectations of increased support from the AIIB.