KABUL - The Steering Committee of the multi-donor Afghanistan Infrastructure Trust Fund (AITF), administered by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), during its Annual meeting reviewed overall progress and provided strategic direction for efforts to support the government’s infrastructure priorities, according to a statement on Monday.
The meeting was co-chaired by Acting Minister of Finance and Chief Adviser on Infrastructure to the President of Afghanistan Mr. Mohammad Humayon Qayoumi and ADB Director General for Central and West Asia Mr. Werner Liepach.
Ambassadors and representatives of 24 donor countries and organizations attended the meeting and discussed infrastructure to help foster the country’s economic growth and improve the livelihoods of the Afghan people.
“On behalf of the Government of Afghanistan, I express my gratitude to the International Community for their hard works and continues support to development efforts in Afghanistan. The Infrastructure Development needs remain robust and a priority to the Government of Afghanistan and AITF remains a key mechanism for financing of the priority projects for infrastructure development,” said H.E. Prof. Qayoumi.
AITF was established in 2010 to address the government’s need for a dedicated financing mechanism to support infrastructure development. It is a multi-donor fund for bilateral, multilateral, and individual contributors to invest in large infrastructure projects. Development partners have committed a total of $744 million to AITF to date, almost $600 million of which has been allocated.
“ADB is strongly committed to AITF and has invested significant staff and financial resources to enhance its role in the development of large infrastructure projects in Afghanistan” said Mr. Liepach. “AITF’s investments in the transport, energy, and agriculture and natural resources sectors, as well as regional cooperation initiatives, have generated important outcomes for the country, with positive impacts on economic growth, job creation, access to services, and poverty reduction.”
During the Meeting, ADB Country Director for Afghanistan Mr. Narendra Singru presented the overall achievements of AITF, current challenges, and the significant improvements that the Government of Afghanistan and ADB have implemented in the recent years.
At the end of the meeting, ADB signed a $12 million grant agreement for a project readiness financing to finance preparatory activities for the Road Rehabilitation and Maintenance Program.
The grant will help the government in preparing feasibility studies, detailed engineering design and associated documents, and provide procurement and capacity building support. The project will help improve regional accessibility and enhance the road network, promoting government’s vision of achieving sustainable development, peace and stability.
ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 68 members—49 from the region. (Pajhwok)