The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has reiterated its commitment to increasing investments in Pakistan, particularly in the transport and communications sectors.
During a meeting on Tuesday with Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan, ADB’s Regional Head Leah Gutierrez assured that Pakistan remains a priority country for the bank’s development program.
Gutierrez, accompanied by a delegation, invited the minister to participate in the upcoming Bishkek Conference scheduled for November. She emphasised that the ADB would continue expanding its investments in Pakistan across multiple sectors, including communications, and would promote both business-to-business (B2B) and government-to-government (G2G) initiatives.
Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan highlighted the significance of the partnership between Pakistan and the ADB. He noted the bank’s growing interest in road infrastructure development and emphasised the vast investment opportunities in communications, railways, and infrastructure sectors.
Khan stressed the role of the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) program in attracting international investments. He noted that initiatives under CAREC, bringing together multiple countries for investment in Pakistan, would enhance the road infrastructure and overall communications sector.
Additionally, he underscored the importance of completing trade corridors linking Pakistan with Iran, Afghanistan, and China to strengthen trade and tourism.
The minister also discussed Pakistan’s progress in visa facilitation, including the introduction of multiple-entry visas for the business community within 24 hours. He proposed that CAREC member states consider streamlined visa issuance and improved regional connectivity, similar to the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).
The meeting was attended by senior officials, including the Federal Secretary for Communications, Chairman of the National Highway Authority, and other high-ranking officers, who briefed the ADB delegation on key departmental matters.
