An eight-member delegation of Asian Development Bank (ADB) led by its Vice-President Ashok Lavasa, visited PRAN-RFL’s Industrial Park in Narsingdi on Friday. The delegation visited different parts of the Industrial Park.
Ashok Lavasa is in-charge of Private Sector Operations and Public-Private Partnerships. The delegation also included ADB’s country director for Bangladesh EdimonGinting. Ahsan Khan Chowdhury, Chairman and CEO at PRAN-RFL Group and Uzma Chowdhury, Director (Corporate Finance) apprised the delegation various aspects of production process.
ADB has financed the PRAN group at various times to increase farmer’s income and efficiency through expanding agroprocessing business, sustainable development at agriculture sector and job creations in Bangladesh.
The bank has been financed the PRAN Group around USD 49 million in three phases from 2012. The fund has been given as long-term loan to purchase capital machineries and job creation. ADB has expressed interest in further financing for the development of agriculture sector.
As development financial institution ADB works for women empowerment. PRAN employs 50% women workforce in the production facility, with the same pay scale as the men get. ADB also praised PRAN for social initiative as child labor eradication in the society.
The delegation expressed satisfaction to see the overall activities of the Industrial Park. They also expressed optimism to work with PRAN in coming days to create more jobs and sustainable business. Ahsan Khan Chowdhury said, “The visit of the ADB delegation at this transitional time is very positive and joyful.
ADB’s funding always play an important role in diversifying export items of the nation. We are hopeful to receive further technical assistance in diversifying agriculture produce and agro processing industry in Bangladesh.”
Fakhrul Ahsan, Assistant General Manager (Corporate Finance) and high officials of PRAN Group were also present at the program.
