CA seeks ADB support for agriculture

Asian Development Bank (ADB) yesterday praised the government's strong commitment to maintain macroeconomic stability and impressive economic progress despite setback caused by flood and cyclone Sidr and global economic recession.
The appreciation came when the Bank's newly appointed Country Director Paul J Heytens paid a courtesy call on Chief Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed at his office.
Fakhruddin sought more ADB support for agriculture, fisheries, livestock, milk production and skilled manpower development sectors.
The ADB can also expand its support in infrastructure and energy sectors along with construction of coastal embankment to implement adaptation programme in facing natural calamities in the country, he said.
Terming ADB as a good friend of Bangladesh, the chief adviser expressed the hope that the size and volume of ADB's support would be expanded in future for achieving overall development of the country.
Referring to readymade garment (RMG) sector, he told the ADB country director that this sector is playing an important role in poverty alleviation and women empowerment as a large number of women are working in the vital sector.
He expressed the hope that Bangladesh will turn into a middle-income country within the 50th years of the country's independence if progress is continued in the sector.
The chief adviser thanked the ADB for its continued support for Bangladesh's development endeavours, especially during the flood and cyclone Sidr.
The ADB country director said despite flood, cyclone and other national calamities, Bangladesh has achieved progress in different sectors.
He lauded government's initiatives for ensuring good governance as well as institutional reform measures during the last two years. “Reforms are good for smooth transition to democracy,” he added.
Heytens informed the chief adviser that the ADB has made $370 million resource allocation per year for Bangladesh for the next four years, including $317 million budget allocations.
He also said 50 projects of Tk 3.5 billion of ADB are now underway in Bangladesh.
ADB, he said, will continue to expand its support for Bangladesh.
The ADB country director appreciated the government for efficient management at Chittagong Port as well as the good governance under the caretaker administration.
ADB Deputy Country Director Nurul Huda accompanied Heytens during the meeting.
Secretary to the Chief Adviser's Office (CAO) Kazi M Aminul Islam, ERD Secretary Mohammad Mosharraf Hossain Bhuiyan and CA's Press Secretary Syed Fahim Munaim were present on the occasion.