Participants have gathered in Georgia’s capital, Tbilisi, for the Asian Development Bank (ADB)’s 57th Annual Meeting, which is opening there today to examine key development issues facing Asia and the Pacific including climate change, artificial intelligence, and green globalization.

Tajik delegation is participating in this event.  The DAB Tajikistan Resident Mission (TJRM) says Tajikistan government delegation is headed by Hokim Kholiqzoda, First Deputy Prime Minister, who is ADB Governor from Tajikistan, and comprises Sulton Rahimzoda, Chairperson of the State Committee on Investment and State-owned Property Management, who is ADB Alternate Governor from Tajikistan.

This is the first time Georgia is hosting an Annual Meeting of ADB’s Board of Governors. The meeting, which runs from 2 to 5 May under the theme “Bridge to the Future”, brings together finance ministers, central bank governors, senior government officials, and representatives from the private sector, academia, media, and civil society from ADB’s 68 members.

“The meeting will showcase the growing partnership between Georgia and ADB and emphasize Georgia's commitment to regional development and cooperation,” said ADB Managing Director General Woochong Um.  “Tbilisi’s location at a crossroads between east and west presents an excellent opportunity to explore the physical, financial, and economic connections between Asia and Europe.”

Since Tajikistan joined ADB in 1998, the Bank has provided over US$2.6 billion in assistance to the country, including over US$2 billion in grants.  ADB’s 2021–2025 country partnership strategy for Tajikistan focuses on three strategic priorities: 1) structural reforms to enhance resource allocation and mobilization; 2) improving labor productivity through human capital development; and 3) fostering better livelihoods by investing in strategic infrastructure.

Established in 1966, the Asian Development Bank is owned by 68 members—49 from the region.