Asian Development Bank president Masato Kanda on Thursday assured Bangladesh鈥檚 finance adviser聽 Salehuddin Ahmed of more concessional loans.
The ADB president gave the assurance at a meeting held on the day on the sidelines of the annual general meeting of the Manila-based multilateral lender in Milan of Italy, according to a message received by the Bangladesh finance ministry.
The finance adviser has recently been emphasising more concessional support from the ADB for Bangladesh鈥檚 development momentum as well as for the regional stability, effective climate action and inclusive growth.
Praising Bangladesh鈥檚 economic progress and resilience, the ADB president said that they had placed special importance on Bangladesh since the very beginning.
He also said that the issues raised by Bangladesh at this year鈥檚 annual meeting would be taken into serious consideration.
Emphasising ADB鈥檚 continued commitments, its president hoped that the bank would always stand by Bangladesh, as it has done from the outset, in supporting the country鈥檚 social and economic security.
The cumulative ADB portfolio in Bangladesh stands at $32.5 billion, including $2.94 billion in the 2023-24 financial year, as a testament to this strong cooperation, he said.
Salehuddin said that the country was in transition, marked by a significant political shift after the historic mass uprising installing a reform-mandated interim government.
The ADB鈥檚 supports for the country鈥檚 ambitious reform agenda, with a focus on governance, transparency, and public service delivery was imperative, he said.
The finance adviser sought ADB assistance for integrated river management and a Blue Economy Master Plan, digital transformation of the health sector, modernisation of tax administration and investment in future-ready education and skills.
ADB鈥檚 assistance has also been sought for sustainable urban development, including smart, climate-resilient cities, enhanced municipal services, and regional urban infrastructure and renewable energy.
The finance adviser is expected to return home today.