The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will provide $230 million loan to five projects including railway-water drainage and road infrastructure reform.
Planning Minister MA Mannan gave this information after a meeting with the ADB Country Director for Bangladesh EdimonGinting on Thursday.
The meeting was held at the Planning Minister’s office at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in the capital.
After the meeting, the Planning Minister said that a total of 5 projects have been prepared, including railway development, flood-damaged road renovation, flood-damaged tube-well renovation and drinking water guarantee.
“Now my responsibility is to get these projects approved quickly. The Economic Relations Department (ERD) will then finalise the terms of the agreement,” he mentioned.
In response to a question, he said, “Reforms are an ongoing process. We are reforming ourselves. Sometimes renovations are also done on the advice of friends. The government is giving top priority to reforming the National Board of Revenue (NBR). Because, this organisation is playing a major role in our income.”
In response to another question, he hopes the budget support from ADB will be available soon.
ADB Country Director EdimonGinting said, “We are always providing assistance to Bangladesh.”
However, the revenue income of Bangladesh needs to be increased, he said, adding that reforms should be brought about in this regard.
In particular, Bangladesh will be given assistance in reforming the Income Tax Ordinance, he mentioned.
In response to another question, he said, “We are working on the issue of budget support. Domestic activity continues. If the approval of 5 development projects is expedited we can start the contract process.”
