Asian Development Bank (ADB) Vice President for South, Central and West Asia Yingming Yang has concluded a five-day official visit to Bangladesh, with discussions focusing on accelerating the country’s next Country Partnership Strategy (CPS), policy reforms, priority investments and the Integrated Growth Network Development (IGND) initiative.

The ADB disclosed the information in a press release issued by its Dhaka office on Thursday following the conclusion of Yang’s visit.

“Bangladesh is entering a very important stage in its development journey,” Yang said during the visit, stressing the need to enhance the country’s competitiveness, boost private investment and strengthen economic resilience.

“Our discussions have once again demonstrated the strength of the ADB-Bangladesh partnership,” he said, adding that the focus should now be on translating strategic commitments into phased reforms, viable investments and effective implementation.

The government-led IGND initiative is expected to link reforms, investments and institutions to create new opportunities across regions, improve connectivity and productivity, and support Bangladesh’s long-term growth objectives.

Yang’s visit followed ADB President Masato Kanda’s visit to Bangladesh in May and was aimed at accelerating the progress achieved during that visit. The Bangladesh government and ADB have jointly identified opportunities for more than $1 billion in annual investment under the IGND initiative. Discussions with the private sector on the initiative have also begun.

During his visit, Yang held a bilateral meeting with Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury.

He also delivered the keynote address at a national seminar on the IGND initiative in Chattogram.

Yang held separate meetings with Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku; Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo; Bangladesh Bank Governor Mostaqur Rahman; and the Prime Minister’s Adviser on Economic and Planning Affairs Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir.

The meetings covered a range of issues, including developing Chattogram as the country’s principal maritime and economic gateway, digital transformation and climate-resilient investment.

While in Chattogram, Yang visited field-level activities under the ADB-supported Skills for Industry Competitiveness and Innovation Program.

ADB Country Director for Bangladesh Kingsfhen Zhang accompanied Yang throughout his visit.