DUSHANBE, March 19, 2009, Asia-Plus — The Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) Vice-President Xiaoyu Zhao arrived in Tajikistan Thursday afternoon for an official two-day visit.
The ADB Vice-President is currently meeting with President Emomali Rahmon to discuss state and prospects of further expansion of cooperation between the ADB and the Government of Tajikistan.
According to the ADB Tajikistan Resident Mission (TJRM), during his stay in Tajikistan, Mr. Zhao will also meet with a number of other high-ranking Tajik state officials and development partners, visit project sites, and help commemorate the 10th anniversary of the partnership between ADB and Tajikistan.
Mr. Zhao, who joined ADB in September 2008, is responsible for operations of the Central and West Asia Department (which covers Tajikistan), the South Asia Department, and the Private Sector Operations Department.
During his visit, Mr. Zhao will meet President Emomali Rahmon, senior government officials, and development partners to discuss ADB’s assistance program in the country, which focuses on improving infrastructure and business environment as well as fostering closer regional ties.
He will also visit two ADB-funded projects – the reconstruction of a 500kV switchyard in Norak hydroelectric power station (HPS) and the rehabilitation of Dushanbe-Kyrgyz border road.
ADB, based in Manila, is dedicated to reducing poverty in the Asia and Pacific region through inclusive economic growth, environmentally sustainable growth, and regional integration. Established in 1966, it is owned by 67 members – 48 from the region. In 2008, it approved $10.5 billion of loans, $811.4 million of grant projects, and technical assistance amounting to $274.5 million.
