Central and West Asia

ADB’s large and diverse portfolio consists of 80 loans totaling $6.4 billion. ADB approved $1.5 billion in 2006. Six loans were approved under the multitranche financing facility that provides long-term support in transport and communications, energy security, and irrigation services. In addition, ADB also provided $180 million to modernize the national highway network under a $770 million multitranche financing facility approved in 2005. A renewable energy sector development program, through a $510 million multitranche financing facility, will fund new investments in small to medium-sized hydropower units that will help realize Pakistan’s significant hydropower potential. A power transmission enhancement project under an $800 million multitranche financing facility aims to ensure reliable and high-quality power supply to an ever-increasing number of industrial, commercial, and retail consumers. The Punjab Irrigated Agriculture Investment Program, representing the first of a series of investments under a multitranche financing facility of $900 million, will rehabilitate the canal system reducing water losses and improving irrigation efficiency and agricultural productivity.

A $400 million program loan was approved to promote private sector participation in infrastructure development. The program will establish policy, legal, and regulatory frameworks and support reforms in priority sectors such as power, transport (highways), and water to make them attractive for financing by the private sector.

A flagship program in the financial sector, approved for $320 million, focuses on improving access to microfinance and other financial services.

ADB also approved $7.6 million in grant financing for technical assistance projects, including $2.0 million to help the government develop a national strategy to support its Access to Financial Services Program.