Wednesday, July 12 2017 12:25

ArmInfo. The Minister of Transport,  Communications and Information Technologies of Armenia Vahan  Martirosyan received representatives of the Asian Development Bank  (ADB), headed by the program manager Thomas Hertz. According to the  press service of the Ministry of Transport of Armenia, the parties  discussed the road-building programs implemented in cooperation with  the bank, in particular, issues related to the overhaul of the  interstate 90-kilometer Vanadzor-Alaverdi- Georgia (M-6) highway and  the implementation of the investment program for the construction of  road Corridor "North-South".

During the meeting, the interlocutors touched upon the tasks and  challenges related to the current programs, questions were discussed  regarding options for their solution, strict preservation of quality  and timing.Thomas Hertz expressed readiness to continue bilateral  cooperation, noting that they are also interested in helping to  implement programs and implement effective control over projects.   The Asian Development Bank was founded in 1996. Nowadays 67 states   are members of the ADB, 48 of them are regional members, and 19 are  not regional ones. Armenia has been among the regional members of the  ADB since 2005.

To note, M-6 interstate road three sectors  (Vanadzor-   Alaverdi-Georgian Border) rehabilitation and reconstruction bidding   procedure was announced in Armenia on January 14 2017. The project is  implemented at the assets of the loan of Asian Development Bank, the   amount allocated forms USD 50 mln. The assets mentioned will be   allocated for the modernization of three sectors of M-6 interstate   road.  The tender is open for all the companies of ADB member   countries, which do have appropriate performance history and   facilities. Bids could be submitted both for one and several lots. 

To note, the project is co-funded by the European Investment Bank and   Asian Development Bank. The relevant loan agreement was signed on   November 9. An amount equivalent to $50 mln - 44,037,000 EUR will be   provided for 22 years, with a 15-year grace period. The European   Investment Bank has already lent 51 mln EUR. Under the agreement   ratified earlier, Armenia will receive a 102 mln EUR loan for  rehabilitation of the Vanadzor-Georgian border road.  To note, under   ADB's country partnership strategy, 2014-2018, Armenia will receive   about $500 million financial assistance to develop infrastructures,  energy and social services that will ensure flexible, comprehensive   and sustainable development of the country.  In the transport sector,   ADB will continue to support improving the north-south road corridor,  and promoting transport links between and within secondary towns,   especially those with the highest poverty rates.  To promote regional   cooperation and integration, ADB will coordinate with Georgia to help  improve roads linking Armenia and Georgia.  ADB will support urban   development in towns with the highest poverty rates by helping local   governments prepare integrated urban development plans, and financing   modernization of infrastructures, including in water supply, urban   roads, and solid waste management.  Armenia's aging electricity   infrastructure and heavy dependence on imported fuels affect its  energy security. ADB will help addressing this issue by supporting   the development of renewable energy resources and helping to   rehabilitate and upgrade energy infrastructure.