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ADB Director General Calls for Strengthened Regional Cooperation

DHAKA, BANGLADESH (22 March 2006) - An ADB Director General called for strengthened regional cooperation to reduce poverty and achieve faster economic growth on his visit this week to Bangladesh.

Speaking at the conclusion of a four-day official visit to the country yesterday, Kunio Senga, Director General for ADB's South Asia Department (SARD), said Bangladesh's recent macroeconomic performance is impressive.

"We urged the Government to take advantage of opportunities from the improving conditions and step up its efforts to address the social and physical infrastructure constraints, enhance regional cooperation and improve governance, in order to fully exploit the country's growth potential," he said. "GDP growth is expected to reach a record 6.5% in FY2006."

In his meeting with Finance Minister M. Saifur Rahman on Sunday, Mr. Senga discussed promotion of regional cooperation, including transport connectivity, trade and investment. During his visit, Mr. Senga also met with the Principal Secretary, Prime Minister's Office, and other senior government officials to discuss issues related to ADB's operations in Bangladesh, as well as representatives of development partners in Bangladesh.

Mr. Senga visited several ADB-assisted projects including the Jamuna Bridge, Aminbazar Power Substation, the Urban Governance and Infrastructure Improvement Project, the Second Small Scale Water Resources Development Project, and the Second Primary Education Development Program.

Meeting in Gazipur municipality with the Chairman, ward commissioners, and other stakeholders of the Urban Governance and Infrastructure Improvement Project, Mr. Senga was pleased to note that "the project has created visible impact on urban governance improvements, through broad citizens' awareness and active participation in various town- and ward-level committees, representing all segments of the community, including women and the poor."

At the Aminbazar Power Substation, Mr. Senga remarked "I am very impressed with the management efficiency and technical competence of the Power Grid Company of Bangladesh Limited (PGCB), which can serve as a good role model for others to follow."

Ms. Hua Du, Country Director of ADB's Bangladesh Resident Mission and other staff took part in the discussions and field trips.

Based in Manila, the ADB 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 2005, it approved loans and grants for projects totaling $6.95 billion, and technical assistance amounting to $198.8 million.

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