He made these remarks during a courtesy meeting with newly appointed ADB Country Director for Bangladesh Qingfeng Zhang at the Water Resources Minister's office in the Secretariat on Monday (August 3). Water Resources State Minister Farhad Hossain Azad was present at that time.
Welcoming the newly appointed Country Director, the Water Resources Minister said the government hopes ADB will play a more effective role in achieving sustainable growth, enhancing disaster resilience, expanding regional cooperation and improving people's quality of life.
He urged ADB to play a more active role in formulating and implementing transformative programs in water resources management, agriculture, environment, natural resources conservation and rural development.
Water Resources State Minister Farhad Hossain Azad said the Asian Development Bank is one of Bangladesh's most trusted development partners. He requested further increasing ADB's cooperation in experience sharing, education, technical assistance, professional skill development and research in water resources management.
ADB Country Director Qingfeng Zhang said the organization is running one of its largest country-based operations in Bangladesh. He informed that work is underway to further strengthen the partnership with Bangladesh and formulate a new Country Partnership Strategy. He also said ADB is interested in working on sustainable water resources management, riverbank protection and river erosion prevention.
The meeting was attended by Water Resources Secretary Dr. A.K.M. Shahabuddin, Additional Secretary Khandaker Azim Uddin, Additional Secretary Md. Enamul Haque, among other senior officials of the ministry.
