The World Bank today said the completion of Padma Bridge has given new life to Khulna and Barishal regions in the country.

The Washington-based lender also said the Padma Bridge has the potential to attract new investments in the country thanks to the bridge's immediate impact on transport and inter-district trade.

"It has breathed new life into economic activities in the Khulna and Barishal regions, including boosting export-import through the Mongla port," the World Bank said in a report titled "Bangladesh development update, trade reform: an urgent agenda".

The international organisation launched the report through an event at its office in Dhaka.

The global lender made the comments years after cancelling a $1.2 billion funding for the construction of Padma Bridge in 2012.

In the latest Bangladesh Development Update, the World Bank also said protracted global and domestic uncertainties are expected to weigh on investment growth, although the completion of the Padma Bridge offers high potential opportunities.