ADB new five year strategy prioritizes inclusion, resilience in Pakistan

March 18, 2026 (MLN): The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has unveiled a new five-year Country Partnership Strategy (CPS) for Pakistan covering 2026–2030, outlined a comprehensive plan to steer the country toward sustainable, inclusive, and private sector-driven economic growth.

The strategy is built around three core priorities: strengthening private sector development, promoting inclusion and empowerment, and boosting resilience and environmental sustainability.

These pillars will be supported by crosscutting efforts in governance reforms, institutional capacity building, gender equality, digital innovation, and regional connectivity, APP reported.

ADB’s Country Director for Pakistan, Emma Fan, said the strategy is designed to tackle Pakistan’s long-standing structural challenges while ensuring that growth benefits all segments of society, particularly vulnerable populations. She emphasized that the initiative will encourage targeted investments and policy reforms aimed at job creation and long-term economic stability.

The new CPS comes as Pakistan shows signs of macroeconomic stabilization following multiple external shocks, alongside the initiation of key structural reforms.

Building on this progress, ADB aims to support export-oriented and investment-led growth, underpinned by stronger public financial management and an improved business climate.

A major focus of the strategy is private sector expansion. ADB plans to back reforms that ease regulatory hurdles, improve infrastructure, enhance access to finance, and promote public–private partnerships.

It will also scale up its private sector operations within the country.

The strategy highlights several high-impact sectors for future investment, including critical minerals, railway and multimodal transport systems, energy security and clean energy, agriculture and value chains, water resource management, and workforce skills development.

To address emerging economic and environmental challenges, ADB intends to deploy integrated solutions combining policy support, financing, technical expertise, and knowledge sharing.

On the social front, the CPS prioritizes human capital development, improved access to essential services, and greater economic participation of women.

Meanwhile, climate resilience remains a central concern, with planned interventions in disaster risk management, climate adaptation, flood control, food security, and air quality improvement.

The strategy is aligned with Pakistan’s National Economic Transformation Plan (2024–2029) and ADB’s broader Strategy 2030 framework. It also emphasizes continued collaboration with global partners such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.

Copyright Mettis Link News