The Planning and Development Board arranged a review meeting on the 2nd Tripartite Portfolio Review Meeting 2022 with Asian Development Bank. Chairman P&D Mr Abdullah Khan Sumbal and Deputy Country Director ADB Mr Asad Aleem jointly chaired the review meeting.
As a keynote speaker, Chairman P&D Board Abdullah Khan Sumbal emphasized on the new development paradigm and aligning the development process with the progress of Punjab. He further stated that the main focus of the current government is on the social sector, public private partnership, and economic growth in the industrial and agricultural sector.
The current ongoing projects in collaboration with ADB will be delivered in their due time frame in Punjab, he added.
The Project Directors briefed the Chair about the progress of different Asian Development Bank’s funded projects across Punjab. The chair was also briefed about analysis and assessment of physical damages and indirect losses after floods across Punjab.
The effects of flood on important sectors of Punjab including health, education and agriculture were also discussed.
Chairman P&D Board also said that The government of Punjab is working tirelessly on principles and policies for instant relief, rehabilitation and economic recovery. Deputy Country Director ADB Pakistan, Mr Asad Aleem also reviewed the progress of ADB projects by the Punjab government and also highlighted the key points of ADB strategy which is aligned with the government’s development policy. He also added that the priority of ADB is to cover all key areas that development partners are looking to collaborate with the government.
He further pinpointed main parts, especially public-private partnerships where the ADB and Government of Punjab are working together and hoped that the up-coming projects will improve the lives of the citizens.
He also expressed his concern about the current monsoon flood that has caused widespread countrywide destruction including Punjab.
He further stated that the Asian Development Bank is currently assessing the situation and collecting information to assist the Government of Pakistan in immediate relief and post-disaster reconstruction efforts.
The session also explored key areas of collaboration on poverty reduction, infrastructure development, private sector development, environment and climate change, and regional cooperation and integration.
