ArmInfo. Armenia positively assesses cooperation with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and programs implemented in various fields, Armenia's Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan stated at the meeting with delegation of ADB headed by ADB Armenian Office Director Shane Rozentale.
During the meeting Karen Karapetyan presented the reforms being held in the system of state governance, establishment of Center for Strategic Research and possible involvement of ADB in these processes.
Shane Rozentale in turn highly assessed cooperation with Armenia noting that ADB demonstrates flexibility in implementation of financed programs and is ready to continue providing assistance to joint initiatives, and hold research on the existing problems. Thus, ADB will provide assistance to the state government in bringing its ideas to life.
The interlocutors discussed the process of implementation of programs in such fields as energy, development of infrastructures, assistance to private business, as well as issues related to expansion of cooperation. The Prime Minister stressed the importance of implementing programs based on state-private partnership, which will become impetus for development of business. He instructed the responsible officials to discuss with the ADB the upcoming actions in details.
To recall, on November 9 Republic of Armenia and ADB signed a $50 million loan Agreement regarding the Project on improvement of the transport efficiency and safety of the M6 Highway from Vanadzor in Armenia to the border with Georgia at Bagratashen. An amount of USD 50 mln, or EU 44.037.000 will be borrowed for 22 - year term, with 15-year grace period. The main target of the Project is the rehabilitation and modernization of the two-line 51,5 km sector of the road in the Northern area of Armenia - from Vanadzor through Alaverdi to the Georgian boarder check point of Bagratashen, as well as the improvement of the road safety and traffic. It is planned to equip this sector with safety and climate change facilities.