Azernews.Az

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will present a preliminary version of a new Country Partnership Strategy with Azerbaijan in April, ADB Resident Representative Olly Norojono said last Saturday.

"A new five-year country strategy is expected to be approved at the end of the year," Norojono said. "Main directions of the strategy include improving waterwork and sanitation, constructing primary roads and upgrading electric power transmission systems."

The business plan approved by the ADB's board of directors for operations in Azerbaijan for 2011-2013 within the framework of which the bank will allocate capital funds in the amount of $945 million will also be reviewed as part of the new strategy, Norojono noted.

"The bank's portfolio for Azerbaijan has been doubled and reached about $1 billion as a result of approval of the two tranches for projects of road infrastructure and of waterwork and sanitation improvement," he said.

According to the business plan, funding was designated in the amount of $340 million for 2011, $355 million for 2012, and $250 million for 2013. Technical assistance was set at $2 million for three years.

The business plan also envisions infrastructure development and measures aimed at reducing adverse effects of climate change and greenhouse gas emissions. The priority sectors are transport, energy, water supply and sewerage services.