Water Resources Minister Annie seeks ADB coop for sustainable management, river conservation
Staff Correspondent
Water Resources Minister Md. Shahiduddin Chowdhury Annie MP has sought continued cooperation from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for sustainable water resources management and riverbank protection in Bangladesh, expressing the government's eagerness to work with the lender to strengthen quality economic collaboration.
The minister made the remarks on Monday during a courtesy meeting with Qingfeng Zhang, the newly appointed ADB Country Director in Bangladesh, at the Secretariat. State Minister for Water Resources Farhad Hossain Azad MP was present during the meeting.
Welcoming the new ADB Country Director to Bangladesh, the water resources minister expressed hope that the ADB would play a more effective role in fostering sustainable growth, enhancing disaster resilience, expanding regional cooperation, and improving people's living standards.
State Minister Azad described the ADB as a trusted development partner of Bangladesh, requesting the agency to expand its cooperation in sharing experiences on water resources management, education, technical assistance, professional skill-building training, and research.
In response, ADB Country Director Qingfeng Zhang noted that Bangladesh hosts one of the agency's largest country-based operations. He stated that the ADB is working to strengthen partnerships with Bangladesh and formulate a new Country Partnership Strategy.
Water Resources Secretary Dr. A.K.M. Shahabuddin, Additional Secretary Khondaker Azim Uddin, and Additional Secretary Mha. Enamul Haque were also present.
