Finance Adviser seeks cooperation from ADB in 4 key areas

Dr Salehuddin Ahmed, the Finance Adviser to the government of Bangladesh, has called for enhanced cooperation from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in four key sectors: digital inclusion, climate action, regional connectivity, and sustainable financing. He made this call during his speech at the 58th Annual Meeting of ADB in Milan, Italy.

According to a press release from the Ministry of Finance on Tuesday (May 6), the adviser emphasized the importance of these areas for Bangladesh's development, especially in the context of the rapidly changing global landscape. Dr Ahmed stressed the need for digital transformation, climate resilience, and regional connectivity for sustainable development.

During the meeting, Dr Ahmed was accompanied by other members of the Bangladesh delegation, including Mohammad Shahriar Kader Siddiqui, Secretary of the Economic Relations Division (ERD).

Dr Ahmed highlighted the historic transformation that Bangladesh is undergoing under the leadership of Nobel Laureate Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus, focusing on transparency, inclusive growth, and sustainable development.

He further stated that in these challenging times, the role of ADB is more important than ever, not only in terms of financing but also in supporting structural reforms and building long-term resilience.

The four key areas where Dr. Ahmed called for enhanced cooperation are as follows:

Digital Inclusion: Increased support for infrastructure, e-governance, and the expansion of digital education.

Climate Action: Request for more concessional financing for renewable energy, climate-smart agriculture, and coastal protection.

Regional Connectivity: Accelerating cross-border investments in trade, energy, and services between South and Southeast Asia.

Sustainable Financing: The need for concessional funds and innovative economic cooperation to meet development needs while maintaining debt sustainability.

Dr Ahmed also mentioned that transforming today's crises into opportunities for the future will require bold thinking, deep partnerships, and collective determination. He appreciated the theme of this year's meeting, “Sharing Experiences, Preparing for the Future,” which he considered timely and inspiring.

In addition to the ADB meetings, the Bangladesh delegation also held discussions with representatives from the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Over the past five decades, the UK has provided approximately $3.19 billion in development assistance to Bangladesh, primarily focusing on poverty reduction, health, education, and institutional capacity building. Despite recent financial challenges, the UK reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Bangladesh's key development priorities, such as climate resilience, humanitarian aid, and inclusive growth.

The UK’s International Development Strategy for 2022 also outlined areas for expanding cooperation, including renewable energy, trade, climate financing, SME development, digital governance, and education. Bangladesh has called for assistance in green investments, technical training, river restoration, private sector development, technical support, wastewater management, cybersecurity, and joint research initiatives.