INTERVIEW-Bangladesh sees GDP +6%, bigger '09/10 budget:minister

* Bangladesh economy to grow 6 pct 2009/10: finance minister

* Government to boost spending to cut poverty, help exports

By Serajul Islam Quadir

DHAKA, June 9 (Reuters) - Bangladesh expects its economy to grow by 6 percent in the next fiscal year, despite the global downturn, and the government plans to boost spending, Finance Minister Abul Maal Abdul Muhith told Reuters on Tuesday.

He said Bangladesh will announce a bigger fiscal budget for the 2009/10 year starting next month, relying on a robust farming sector and hoping for higher aid and investment.

Foreign investments slowed to $882 million in the first nine months of the current fiscal year and overseas donors delayed the release of funds during the country's two years of emergency rule, which ended with a December 2008 election.

Thursday's budget will be the first for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who won office promising to cut prices, improve utilities, create jobs and alleviate poverty in Bangladesh, which is vulnerable to natural disasters.

Muhith said in a telephone interview that the budget aimed to increase revenues and boost agriculture and major exports.