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Mr. Liqun Jin, ADB Vice President Meets with the President of the Kyrgyz Republic

BISHKEK, KYRGYZ REPUBLIC (July 14, 2008) – ADB Vice President Liqun Jin met with President Bakiev during his three-day visit to the Kyrgyz Republic.

On July 14, 2008 ADB Vice President Liqun Jin discussed with President Bakiev development issues facing the Kyrgyz Republic and prospects of cooperation between the Kyrgyz Republic and ADB.

ADB Vice President said that it is very encouraging that the country will embark on preparing a longterm development strategy up to 2020. Long-term vision, goals and objectives are essential to guide a country’s development process.

Also Mr. Jin emphasized the country’s latest efforts to refocus on growth and development, which is the cornerstone of the Country Development Strategy 2007-2010 and of the Joint Country Support Strategy 2007-2010 for the Kyrgyz Republic (JCSS). To better support the country’s strategic priorities as identified in President Bakiev’s Speech to the Nation delivered on 10 January 2008, and in accordance with ADB’s strategy 2020, ADB will make necessary adjustments to its assistance program 2008-2011.

The Kyrgyz Republic is faced with external shocks and has entered into a challenging period, with growth slowing down, rising prices for food and energy. Prudent policy response to the potential deterioration of the external conditions and possible food crises issue is critical for sustaining economic stability and growth.

The food crises and ways to overcome it were also on the agenda. “As President Kuroda announced in May in Madrid this year, ADB is providing support for food crisis to the hardest-hit countries. In situation like this, effective management by the government is crucial to provide direct assistance to the poorest and most vulnerable, as well as policy measures that support open trade, and strengthen food security. Kyrgyz Government and ADB staff are already working on the needs analysis and the resources available for the country” – said Mr. Liqun Jin.

President Bakiev expressed his gratitude for rendered assistance to the Kyrgyz Republic and expressed confidence that cooperation will continue further successfully. Mr. Jin assured President Bakiev that ADB is full of intention to provide assistance to the Kyrgyz Republic in conducting social and economic reforms and development.

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