As many as nine projects worth 1077.85 million dollars are being executed through the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Punjab which includes rehabilitation of irrigation system, energy and protection against flood devastations. Provincial Minister for Finance Dr Ayesha Ghaus Pasha said this in a meeting with a delegation of ADB led by its Vice President Wencai Zhang in Lahore.
Dr Ayesha Ghaus Pasha maintained that the ADB is playing a key role in economic development of the province through technical assistance and soft loans. She added that barrages and canal system is being improved under 'Punjab Irrigated Agriculture Investment Programme' for the restoration of irrigation system. She said small hydle power projects and clean energy projects are being evolved with technical and financial assistance of the ADB.
Services of the ADB are being acquired for the planning of construction being made during emergent situation for flood affectees, she added. She further said that the Asian Development Bank is best development partner of Punjab and is rendering invaluable services for the development of social sector.
Chairman P&D Jahanzeb Khan, Secretary Finance Sheikh Hamid, Additional Secretary Saif Ullah Dogar, Additional Secretary Energy Iffat Farooq, Secretary Transport, Secretary Irrigation, Secretary Industries, representatives of Punjab Disaster Management Department, Industry Department, Local Government and Punjab Board of Investment were present on the occasion.
Wencai Zhang expressed satisfaction over the performance of Punjab government for the betterment of social sector and informed the minister that the aim of his visit to Lahore is to get awareness about the priorities of the Punjab government and expectations from ADB during new fiscal year.
Dr Ayesha Ghaus Pasha apprised Wencai Zhang about future projects of Punjab government and stressed upon cooperation of ADB in energy, agriculture, infrastructure, transport and irrigation as well as skills development sector. The delegation of ADB evinced keen interest in solar energy, human resources, transport and irrigation sectors and assured full cooperation on priorities of Punjab government.
The chairman P&D highlighted the importance and need of projects relating to infrastructure and skills development in the wake of Pak-China Economic Corridor and clarified Punjab strategy with regard to partnership with other countries.
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