DUSHANBE, March 17, 2009, Asia-Plus  -- On March 19  2009, the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) Vice-President Xiaoyu Zhao will begin a two-day official visit to Tajikistan – his first to the country, press release issued by the ADB Tajikistan Resident Mission (TJRM), today said.

Mr. Zhao will meet with senior government leaders and development partners, visit project sites, and help commemorate the 10th anniversary of the partnership between ADB and Tajikistan.

Mr. Zhao, who joined ADB in September 2008, is responsible for operations of the Central and West Asia Department (which covers Tajikistan), the South Asia Department, and the Private Sector Operations Department.

During his visit, Mr. Zhao will meet President Emomali Rahmon, senior government officials, and development partners to discuss ADB’s assistance program in the country, which focuses on improving infrastructure and business environment as well as fostering closer regional ties.

He will also visit two ADB-funded projects – the reconstruction of a 500kV switchyard in Norak  hydroelectric power station (HPS) and the rehabilitation of Dushanbe-Kyrgyz border road.

ADB, based in Manila, is dedicated to reducing poverty in the Asia and Pacific region through inclusive economic growth, environmentally sustainable growth, and regional integration. Established in 1966, it is owned by 67 members – 48 from the region. In 2008, it approved $10.5 billion of loans, $811.4 million of grant projects, and technical assistance amounting to $274.5 million.