DHAKA, Jan 29, 2020 (BSS) – The Asian Development Bank (ADB) Vice-
President (VP) Shixin Chen has reaffirmed ADB’s commitment to supporting
Bangladesh in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), while
attending the Bangladesh Development Forum (BDF) in Dhaka today.
Chen attended the BDF as a keynote speaker of the opening session
together with the Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina and
representatives of development partners, said an ADB press release.
On the sidelines, Chen held discussions with the Minister of Finance and
ADB Governor A H M Mustafa Kamal, Minister of Planning M A Mannan, and
Secretary of the Economic Relations Division and ADB Alternate Governor
Monowar Ahmed.
“Bangladesh is now a global example of economic progress, with average
GDP growth of more than 6.7 percent over the last decade. A record of about
8.2 percent growth in 2019 has made Bangladesh the fastest growing economy in
Asia Pacific,” Chen said.
“The key challenges ahead are to increase investments-both public and
private-to close infrastructure gaps, improve skills, diversify the
industrial base, and improve the business climate.” He added.
Chen noted that Bangladesh is making serious efforts to meet the SDGs
and there is a higher aspiration for development in the country. “ADB stands
committed to help the country meet its development aspirations,” he said.
In his meetings with senior Government officials, Chen expressed
appreciation for the initiative to develop special economic zones and
economic corridors to connect the country to regional and global value
chains.
Chen noted that ADB’s country partnership strategy for Bangladesh (2016-
2020) reflects the government’s key development priorities for sustainable
and inclusive growth.
ADB operations focus on infrastructure development (transport, energy
and urban services), rural development, skills development and job creation,
private sector development, climate and disaster resilience, and regional
cooperation and integration.
Since Bangladesh became a member of ADB in 1973, ADB has mobilized more
than $25 billion in loans and grants to help bring better infrastructure,
public services, and social development outcomes to the people of Bangladesh.