Bangladesh Resident Mission

ADB President Reaffirms Support and Commitment to Bangladesh

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Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Tadao Chino has reaffirmed ADB's commitment and support to Bangladesh at the inauguration of the new office building of ADB's Bangladesh Resident Mission (BRM).

During a 2-day visit to Bangladesh from 21 to 22 June, President Chino, together with M. Saifur Rahman, Bangladesh Finance and Planning Minister, inaugurated the building.

President Chino also made a courtesy call on Bangladesh Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, stressing ADB's vision and vowed to continue assistance to the Government in its efforts to fight poverty in the country.

The inauguration began with remarks by President Chino, Finance Minister Rahman, and BRM Country Director Toru Shibuichi.

In his inaugural remarks, President Chino said, "The opening of our new office building today symbolizes ADB's commitment to working together with the Government and the people of Bangladesh to achieve our shared goal of economic growth and poverty reduction.''

In his remarks as the chief guest, Finance Minister Rahman expressed his "deep appreciation for the substantial support provided by ADB to our economic growth and poverty reduction programs." He added that ADB's presence in Bangladesh through its resident mission has "greatly facilitated on the spot discussions and interactions between the Government and ADB for appropriate design and timely implementation of projects and programs.

"I am confident that the resident mission will stay in the front line of interactions between the Government and ADB and continue to stand by us in our challenging enterprise for achieving economic prosperity and our uncompromising struggle to overcome poverty," said Minister Rahman.

The President and Mr. Rahman cut a ribbon, unveiled a plaque, and each planted a tree.

In October 2002, Mr. Chino, together with Minister Rahman, laid the foundation stone for the building. BRM was established in July 1982 as ADB's first resident mission. This was President Chino's fourth visit to Bangladesh.

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BRM Quarterly Newsletter, 2nd Quarter 2004