Govt, ADB agree on accelerating project implementation

The government and Asian Development Bank (ADB) at a tripartite portfolio review meeting (TPRM) on Wednesday agreed on short and medium term roadmaps for 2021-2022 to further accelerate implementation of ADB-assisted projects.

Fatima Yasmin, Secretary, Economic Relations Division (ERD), and Manmohan Parkash, ADB Country Director for Bangladesh co-chaired the virtual TPRM.

Around 300 senior government officials, project directors, and ADB staff participated in the first such review meeting in 2021.

“Post pandemic, we are focusing on accelerated project implementation for faster socioeconomic recovery,” said Country Director Manmohan Parkash.

“Expediting procurement, accelerating approval, mobilizing consultants and contractors early, and implementing health safety guidelines are some of the special actions agreed today," he said.

"We also agreed on the need for engaging good consultants and contractors, effective contract management, efficient land acquisition and resettlement, proper implementation of environmental management plan, and sound financial management, in addition to ensuring proper readiness before processing projects,” Parkash added.

The meeting reviewed the progress of actions agreed in late 2020, and readiness status of 2021 pipeline projects.

Specific actions were agreed for slow-moving projects to utilize the project money expeditiously.