The Forum for Successful Project Design and Implementation: Implementing Strategy 2030 on the Ground concluded at the Asian Development Bank (ADB) headquarters today. This is the fourth forum since 2013 to support capacity building of executing and implementing agencies.
According to the ADB Tajikistan Resident Mission (TJRM), this year, the forum brought together more than 100 representatives from 37 ADB member countries, including Tajikistan.
“Successful project design and implementation with high development impact are the shared responsibility of ADB and the executing and implementing agencies,” ADB President Mr. Takehiko Nakao said at the forum. “ADB will continue to help executing and implementing agencies strengthen their capacity to plan, design, implement, and monitor ADB projects.”
This year’s forum is reportedly especially important as it takes place as ADB begins the implementation of Strategy 2030, which sets the future direction for the bank’s efforts to respond to the region’s changing needs. ADB expects to commit US$61.8 billion across 428 sovereign and non-sovereign projects over the next three years.
Mr. Nakao highlighted six areas in which ADB is collaborating with executing and implementing agencies to deliver successful projects. First, ensuring speed and efficiency in project delivery is a high priority, supported by recent procurement reforms and new mechanisms for project readiness. Second is the importance of incorporating climate change mitigation and adaptation, disaster risk, and environmental considerations. Third, ADB and partner agencies must always consider ways to include gender elements into projects and programs. Fourth is promoting innovation and advanced technologies to address complex problems. Fifth is strengthening financial management to ensure accountability and financial sustainability. Sixth is aiming to increase the use of country systems in procurement, and environmental and social safeguards.
Established in 1966, it is owned by 67 members—48 from the region. In 2017, ADB operations totaled $32.2 billion, including $11.9 billion in cofinancing.
Tajikistan joined ADB in 1998. To-date, ADB has approved over $1.6 billion in grants, concessional loans, and technical assistance to the country. ADB and Tajikistan’s development partnership, which began in 1998, has restored and built the country’s new transport and energy infrastructure, supported social development, expanded agricultural production, and improved regional cooperation and trade.
