ISLAMABAD: Leah Gutierrez, Director General for the Central and West Asia Department of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), called on Federal Minister for Economic Affairs, Ahad Cheema.
ADB Country Director Emma Fan and senior officials from the Economic Affairs Division (EAD) and ADB were also present during the meeting.
Ahad appreciated the Asian Development Bank’s long-standing and unwavering support as an agile development partner of Pakistan. He briefed the delegation on the government’s macroeconomic stabilization efforts and the ongoing fiscal consolidation phase aimed at addressing the country’s challenging economic situation.
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The minister underscored the government’s strong commitment to the timely implementation of the Main Line–1 (ML-1) railways project. He emphasized that the ADB’s continued support would be critical to achieving this milestone.
He further highlighted the government’s intention to effectively channel development resources in close coordination with provincial governments, with the support of development partners. The minister also appreciated the joint efforts of the ADB and the World Bank to support the government in mapping the implementation bottlenecks and to improve the project readiness for ensuring timely disbursements.
Gutierrez commended the government’s reform agenda and acknowledged the efforts being made for macroeconomic recovery and fiscal consolidation. She recognized the priority of the Government of Pakistan to the ML-1 project and reaffirmed that ADB and Government teams are working in close coordination. The minister, in turn, lauded the ADB’s support with particular appreciation for the contributions of the ADB Resident Mission in Pakistan.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening cooperation and partnership in support of Pakistan’s development priorities.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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