ADB to continue support for BD, says its chief

Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Takehiko Nakao has said the Bank will continue its support for Bangladesh for its future economic development.

Also lauding Bangladesh's ongoing economic growth, the ADB head said the country's success story could be 'good example' for some other Asian countries.

"Bangladesh's economy has been growing at an average rate of 7.0 per cent over the years. And the progress that Bangladesh has made in its economic front can be a good example for some other Asian countries," he said.

Mr Takehiko Nakao was addressing a crowded press briefing at the ADB headquarters on Thursday as the four-day 51st Annual Meeting of the ADB Board of Governors began here on the day.

The ADB president made the observations in response to a question from a visiting Bangladeshi newsman about the possible areas of discussions during his meeting with Bangladesh Finance Minister AMA Muhith.

"Our lending to Bangladesh is strong. We are supporting Bangladesh in the areas like infrastructure projects, education, ICT (information and communication technology) and ensuring better workplace," the ADB chief said.

Mr Takehiko Nakao said the ongoing and future lending arrangements for Bangladesh would be discussed during his meeting with finance minister AMA Muhith which is scheduled for next Sunday.

Mentioning his visit to Bangladesh in February last, the ADB president said he then pledged enhanced ADB assistance for Bangladesh during his meeting with Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and finance minister.

Replying to a question from another Bangladeshi newsman on whether the ADB had a plan to provide its support for Bangladesh to help it cope with the burden caused due to influx of around 1.0 million Rohingya people from Myanmar, Mr Takehiko Nakao said the ADB is willing to do so if Bangladesh wants.

"We are aware of the socio-economic impacts and humanitarian aspects of Rohingya crisis. And the ADB is ready to provide its support to this effect," he said.

He went on: "We are waiting for the request from the Bangladesh government."

During the press conference, the ADB president also talked about various aspects including greater regional connectivity, impact of technological advancement on future job prospect in Asia, its present and future assistance programmes while responding to questions posed by media people from different Asian countries.

The ADB has so far provided Bangladesh with a total of $ 20 billion in loans, grants, and technical assistance.

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