ADFD hosts workshop to examine development projects in Afghanistan

ABU DHABI, 19th April, 2018 (WAM) -- Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, ADFD, today hosted a workshop for Arab and regional development institutions to discuss ways of supporting the government of Afghanistan in implementing its development plans and programmes. Alongside ADFD senior staff, the workshop included representatives from the Afghan government, Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, the Saudi Fund for Development, the Islamic Development Bank, as well as the OPEC Fund for International Development. Delivering the welcoming speech, Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director-General of ADFD, thanked the Arab and regional financial institutions for attending the workshop and actively participating in its various sessions. He added that such support will enable the people of Afghanistan to achieve economic and social development across all sectors. Al Suwaidi reaffirmed the UAE's leadership keenness to stand by Afghanistan and support them in addressing their development challenges. "ADFD works closely with the Afghanistan government to support various economic and social development projects that contribute to the country’s sustainable growth. ADFD has maintained a strong relationship with Afghanistan dating back to 1977. During this period, the fund has supported several key development projects that have had a significant impact on the economy of the country," Al Suwaidi added. Dr. Mohammad Qayoumi, Chief Advisor to the President of Afghanistan, in turn, applauded ADFD’s efforts in supporting Afghanistan in achieving its sustainable development objectives. Qayoumi noted that ADFD was one of the first aid agencies to support development projects in Afghanistan that improved the living standards of its citizens. The fund has emerged as a top international aid agency due to its active role in providing the much-needed support for developing countries. Since it started its support for development projects in Afghanistan in 1977, ADFD has allocated AED1.2 billion towards the development of 14 projects that contributed to the economic and social development of the country. The one-day workshop was also attended by a number of senior officials.