Minister for Economic Affairs Muhammad Hamad Azhar, Advisor on Finance Dr Abdul Hafiz Sheikh and senior officials were present during the meeting. Vice President ADB briefed the Prime Minister regarding short, medium and long term support to Pakistan in various sectors of the economy, particularly trade and competitiveness. He stated that Pakistan, being a founding member, was an important partner of ADB.
The Vice President ADB discussed various proposals for enhancing institutional capacity of the Government that would help Pakistan achieve its development and economic stability agenda. Chen noted that Pakistan could play a very important role in promoting regional cooperation and integration in Central and West Asia region. He informed the Prime Minister that he had fruitful meetings with Prime Minister's Special Assistant on Social Protection & Poverty Alleviation Dr. Sania Nishtar and ADB wanted to support the Government's flagship Ehsaas Programme.
The Prime Minister was informed that Minister Economic Affairs had extended invitation on Prime Minister's behalf to President ADB for visiting Pakistan, which was accepted by the President ADB.
The Prime Minister directed Economic Affairs Division to fast-track the processing and implementation of ADB's projects so as to facilitate ADB's support towards economic prosperity of Pakistan and its citizens. Meanwhile, Shixin Chen, Vice President (Operations), Asian Development Bank (ADB) called on Muhammad Hammad Azhar, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs.-PR