Media Center

News Release

ADB Conducts Consultation Workshops on Governance and the Private Sector

BAKU, AZERBAIJAN (23 February 2006) - The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is conducting consultation workshops on two key assessments related to its strategy and program in Azerbaijan. A Private Sector Assessment and Country Governance Assessment will be the focus of workshops in Baku, Azerbaijan on 23-24 February 2006, where main findings will be discussed with key stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector representatives, and civil society.

The two assessments, which will be made publicly available once they are finalized, serve as key analytical papers that will underpin ADB's forward strategy and operational program. The Private Sector Assessment identifies opportunities and constraints for private sector development in Azerbaijan and serves as a basis for guiding ADB's private sector development strategy. The Country Governance Assessment, on the other hand, systematically assesses the quality of governance in Azerbaijan, and aims to strengthen the linkage between the quality of governance and levels and composition of ADB assistance.

ADB's strategy and program of development assistance for sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction in Azerbaijan will be guided over the next three years by a Country Strategy and Program (CSP), which is now under preparation. The findings of the two assessments will provide valuable inputs to this process. The CSP will be aligned with the Government's 10-year National Poverty Reduction Strategy and the State Programme for Socioeconomic Development of the Regions of Azerbaijan.

"ADB values contributions from stakeholders in preparing the assessments. By promoting participation in this process, we build ownership and partnership into our strategy and operations, which ultimately makes us more effective in delivering results", said Matthew Westfall, ADB's country director to Azerbaijan.

Visit www.adb.org/azrm to know more about ADB-assisted projects and programs in Azerbaijan.

ADB, based in Manila, is dedicated to reducing poverty in the Asia and Pacific region through pro-poor sustainable economic growth, social development, and good governance. Established in 1966, it is owned by 64 members – 46 from the region. In 2004, it approved loans and technical assistance totaling $5.3 billion and $196.6 million, respectively.