ADB aims to help Bangladesh achieve SDGs
“The ADB stands committed to help the country meet its development aspirations,” he said.
Chen attended the two-day event as the opening session’s keynote speaker alongside Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and various development partner representatives.
He held separate discussions on the sidelines with Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal, Planning Minister MA Mannan and Monowar Ahmed, secretary of the Economic Relations Division and ADB alternate governor.
Ever since Bangladesh became an ADB member in 1973, the bank has mobilised more than $25 billion in loans and grants to help bring better infrastructure, public services, and social development outcomes to the people.
Bangladesh is now a global example for economic progress with an average GDP growth rate of more than 6.7 per cent over the last decade, Chen said.
The ADB’s country partnership strategy for Bangladesh (2016-2020) reflects the government’s key development priorities for sustainable and inclusive growth.
The key challenges ahead include increasing investments, both public and private, to close infrastructure gaps, improve skills, diversify the industrial base and improve the business climate, he said, adding that Bangladesh has made serious efforts to meet SDGs.
In his meetings with senior government officials, Chen expressed appreciation for the initiative to develop special economic zones to connect the country to regional and global value chains.
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