ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Thursday appreciated the role of Asian Development Bank in undertaking projects in various sectors in Pakistan and hoped that this partnership would continue for development.Talking to Vice President of ADB Xiaoyu Zhao and Director General Juan Marinda at the PM House, the Prime Minister said that his government was focusing on energy, water, roads and infrastructure, which were an engine of growth in any economy.The Prime Minister said that his government had constituted a high-powered committee led by the Finance Minister to seek the solution of unscheduled loadshedding in the country.
He underlined the government’s commitment to maintain financial discipline,reduce fiscal deficit, mobilize domestic resources and pursue high growth strategy.Gilani called upon the ADB to finance the mega project of Bhasha Dam, which would solve the country’s chronic energy crisis and also provide sufficient water to the agriculture sector that holds key to food security.The Prime Minister also emphasized ADB’s support for construction of Motorway from Karachi to Faisalabad. The connectivity of Gwadar with Ratodero will link it with Karachi and Faisalabad, which is the hub of textile industry.The ADB Vice President assured the Prime Minister that the ADB was committed to work with the Government of Pakistan.
The Prime Minister sought ADB’s support for construction of roads through Central Asia Regional Cooperation (CAREC) funds for integrating Pakistan with Central Asia.It may be mentioned here that Pakistan has become 10th member of this organization. The connectivity as planned under its umbrella will revolutionize trade among the countries by providing trade corridor including enhancement of people-to-people contacts among the member countries.Finance Minister Dr. Abdul Hafeez Shaikh, Minister for Water and Power Syed Naveed Qamar and senior officials of the relevant ministries were also present in the meeting. – APP
