Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN)- Xiaoyu Zhao, Vice-President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) is in Dhaka on Sunday for a one-day official visit.

The Vice-President is accompanied by S. Hafeez Rahman, Director General of ADB’s South Asia Department, an ADB announcement said.

The vice-president will attend a signing ceremony for the ADB loan agreement with the government for the Padma Multipurpose Bridge project on 6 June.  

During the visit, Mr. Zhao will also hold discussions with senior government officials, including the minister of finance, and the adviser to the prime minister for economic affairs.

“The discussions will focus on policy and implementation issues related to ADB operations in Bangladesh, including assistance for regional cooperation, climate change, energy, transport, governance, and primary education projects,” it added.

The ADB, based in Manila, is dedicated to reducing poverty in Asia and the Pacific through inclusive economic growth, environmentally sustainable growth, and regional integration. Established in 1966, it is owned by 67 members – 48 from the region.

In 2010, ADB approvals, including, co-financing, totaled $17.51 billion. In addition, ADB’s ongoing Trade Finance Program supported $2.8 billion in trade.

BBN/SSR/AD-05June11-1:20 pm (BST)