Muhith for poverty-free world in 50 yrs

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DHAKA, Dec 12, 2017 (BSS) – Finance Minister Abul Maal Abdul Muhith today expressed his high hope for having a poverty-free world in the next 50 years particularly for the fast progress in Asia.

“We expect to have a poverty free world before the next 50 years,” he said.

The Finance Minister was addressing at a function marking the “50 Years of ADB, Celebrating Bangladesh-ADB Partnership” held at a city hotel this evening.

Extending his best wishes to the ADB on its 50 years of operations, Muhith hoped that the Manila-based lending agency would continue its operations for another 50 years.

Recalling the long-standing successful partnership between Bangladesh and ADB, the Finance Minister said Bangladesh is one of the best cases of getting efficient and prompt response from the ADB.

PM’s International Affairs Adviser Dr Gowher Rizvi made the keynote address while State Minister for Finance and Planning MA Mannan spoke on the occasion as special guest.

Dr Gowher Rizvi said that unlike other banks, ADB always remain prepared to listen to the people of the countries in which they conduct their operations: “It’s (ADB) a better listening Bank”.

Mentioning the amount of ADB’s funding towards Bangladesh over the years, Rizvi hoped it would continue to support Bangladesh in efforts to achieved the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as it did in case of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).”

“ADB is in partnership with Bangladesh in the country’s stride towards regional cooperation to materialize the initiative of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina,” the PM’s adviser said, adding as it will grow, we’ll also grow.

ADB Country Director Manmohan Parkash hoped to take forward the partnership between ADB and Bangladesh to the next level.

Earlier, the finance minister and the other distinguished guests also unveiled the cover of the books titled “Banking on the Future of Asia and the Pacific: 50 Years of the ADB” and “50 Years of ADB: Bangladesh-ADB Partnership”.

Economic Relations Division (ERD) Secretary Kazi Shofiqul Azam made the closing remarks on the occasion.

ADB, based in Manila, is dedicated to reducing poverty in Asia and the Pacific through inclusive economic growth, environmentally sustainable growth and regional integration.

Established in 1966, it is celebrating 50 years of development partnership in the region. It is owned by 48 members from the region among 67. In 2016, ADB assistance totaled $31.7 billion, including $14 billion in co-financing.