ISLAMABAD
Finance Minister Senator Ishaq Dar and Asian Development Bank (ADB) Vice-President Wencai Zhang joined federal ministers, diplomats, senior government officials, ADB staff, and representatives of the development community to celebrate ADB’s 50th Anniversary at a reception in Islamabad.
The event included a panel discussion on “What’s Next-Supporting Pakistan’s Development Agenda,” the country launch of the ADB history book Banking on the Future of Asia and the Pacific – 50 Years of Asian Development Bank – the presentation of a short video about ADB in Pakistan, and the unveiling of a commemorative postage stamp.
“Over the last 50 years, ADB has helped upgrade vital infrastructure, promote private sector development, improve public sector management and financial markets, foster social protection, and develop agriculture sector, as well provided emergency assistance,” said Mr. Zhang.
“Together we have overcome many development challenges; together we are committed to expanding our partnership to reduce poverty and increase the prosperity of the people of Pakistan,” the statement added.
The anniversary event, jointly organized by ADB’s Pakistan Resident Mission and the Economic Affairs Division (EAD) of the ministry of finance, was kicked off by welcome remarks from ADB Country Director Xiaohong Yang detailing key development milestones during the last 5 decades.
In the panel discussion finance minister outlined Pakistan’s economic direction and key achievements while underscoring the country’s tremendous development potential as a future economic powerhouse.
