Islamabad, 23 October 2021 (GNP/ TDI): Country Director of the Asian Development Bank, Yong Ye, and Federal Minister for Economic Affairs, Omer Ayub Khan met in the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Islamabad. Federal Minister Omer Ayub congratulated Yong Ye on assuming the charge of the country director in Pakistan.
Omer Ayub in the meeting acknowledged the Asian Development Bank’s active assistance in the procurement of Covid-19 vaccines. The two officials discussed further mobilization of the financial resources to continue the process of the mass-vaccination drive. Federal Minister emphasized Pakistan’s complete commitment to vaccinate the remaining population.
Asian Development Bank has invested largely in other projects as well. These projects range from energy, road and transport, agriculture and irrigation, urban services, education, health, and social protection. A total of 32 projects, Worth 6.4 billion are specified for Pakistan under the Country Operation Business Plan (2021-2023).
The Bank has negotiated with the Government of Pakistan to initiate a new program aimed towards Integrated Social Protection Development. The Country Director announced that the Bank will provide USD 600 million for the program announced. The assistance will help Pakistan attain the goals of the Ehsaas Program with more efficacy. to Increase the effectiveness of the programs, Federal Minister reiterated introducing digital tools and trends to monitor the projects.
Both sides indulged in providing assurances. Federal Minister ensured the Country Director of Pakistan’s full efforts in supplying vaccines to the population. These assurances by Federal Minister were reciprocated by an appreciation by the Country Director.