Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) and the Government of Pakistan have signed grants and concessionary loans on behalf of the Abu Dhabi government, valued at AED1.5bn across nine sustainable development projects.
The projects spanned diverse sectors, most notably transport, water and agriculture, healthcare, and education.
ADFDs country report issued to mark Pakistans Independence Day on August 14 highlighted that the nine development projects have significantly contributed to improving socio-economic conditions in the country.
On the milestone occasion of the 70th anniversary of its independence, HE Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, director general of ADFD, extended his sincerest congratulations to the Pakistani government and people, and wished them continued prosperity. He said: ADFDs role in financing these sustainable development projects across Pakistan underscores the fraternal relations and strong bilateral ties that the UAE and Pakistan share.
Stressing the importance the UAE places on supporting developing countries, Suwaidi added: The comprehensive and wide spanning portfolio of development projects supported by ADFD in Pakistan can certainly be attributed to the strong relations between our countries as well as the wise directives, guidance and support of the Abu Dhabi government.
At ADFD, we believe in assisting beneficiary governments in achieving their economic, sustainable and development schemes and goals. We are pleased that our support to the Pakistani government has elevated living standards and boosted strategic growth in that country.
To elevate everyday living standards, ADFD administered an estimated AED107mn Abu Dhabi government grant to develop two healthcare projects in Pakistan. Furthermore, in 2006, ADFD allocated AED13mn to fit out the Sheikh Zayed Hospital in Lahore with modern and internationally standardised equipment.
In 2013, ADFD managed an AED46mn grant earmarked for training colleges. This project led to the construction of three training colleges for individuals living in remote areas. These include Warsak College in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, and Wana College and Spinkai Cadet College – both located in South Waziristan.
In order to ensure an adequate and reliable power supply, in 1981, ADFD provided an AED66mn loan to rehabilitate the Tarbela Dam.