ABU DHABI 17 August 2017: Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), has so far supported Pakistan with grants and concessionary loans on behalf of the Abu Dhabi government, valued at Dh1.5 billion, across nine sustainable development projects.
The projects spanned diverse sectors, most notably transport, water and agriculture, healthcare, and education.
The ADFD, which is the leading national entity for development aid, and the Government of Pakistan, have enjoyed strong and long-standing ties dating back to 1981.
ADFD’s country report issued to mark Pakistan’s Independence Day on 14th August, highlighted that the nine development projects have significantly contributed to improving socio-economic conditions in the country.
Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director-General of ADFD, said the comprehensive and wide spanning portfolio of development projects supported by ADFD in Pakistan can certainly be attributed to the strong relations between our countries as well as the wise directives, guidance and support of the Abu Dhabi government.
The fund has injected considerable capital into supporting projects in Pakistan’s transport sector. Notable among these is the Dh227-million 2013 Abu Dhabi government grant that ADFD managed for the construction of the UAE-Pakistani Friendship Road.
It also administered an estimated Dh107-million Abu Dhabi government grant to develop two healthcare projects in Pakistan. In 2013, it provided Dh94 million to construct the Emirates Hospital and in 2006, it allocated dh13 million to upgrade the Sheikh Zayed Hospital in Lahore with modern and internationally standardised equipment.
In line with the Pakistani government’s development goals, ADFD has played a crucial and supportive role in improving and advancing the country’s education sector. In this regard, in 2013, ADFD managed an Dh46-million grant earmarked for training colleges. In 2009, it allocated Dh7 million for fund expansion works at the Sheikh Zayed International Academy.
By Angel Chan