DUSHANBE, June 1, Asia-Plus - The Asian Development Bank (ADB) Director General Juan Miranda on June 1 begins a two-day official visit to Tajikistan – his first to the country – to participate at the upcoming Tajikistan Development Forum, have talks with senior government leaders and donors, the ADB Mission in Tajikistan said.  He is arriving in Dushanbe today afternoon

Mr. Miranda, who joined ADB in 2004, is the Director General of the Central and West Asia Department covering 10 countries – Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.

During his stay, Mr. Miranda will lead the ADB’s delegation at the Tajikistan Development Forum, which is set for June 2, as well as meet with Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon, and senior government officials to discuss a progress of ADB’s assistance program in the country, which focuses on strengthening rural development, social sectors, and regional cooperation, and rehabilitating basic infrastructure.

On June 3, Juan Miranda will depart Dushanbe for Tashkent.

ADB, based in Manila, is dedicated to reducing poverty in the Asia and Pacific region through pro-poor sustainable economic growth, social development, and good governance. Established in 1966, it is owned by 67 members – 48 from the region.  In 2006, it approved loans and grants for projects totaling $8.5 billion, and technical assistance amounting to almost $242 million.