The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of Madhya Pradesh (GoMP)organized a workshop on Tuesday to commemorate 25 years of partnership and reaffirm their commitment to further strengthen this collaboration to support the state's long-term economic growth.

The workshop, attended by senior officials from the GoMP led by Additional Chief Secretary of the General Administration Department Sanjay Dubey, discussed potential ADB investments and knowledge support to address the emerging development needs of the state. India's Department of Economic Affairs Joint Secretary Juhi Mukherjee joined the workshop along with officials from several state governments associated with implementing ADB projects. ADB staff in Manila and the India Resident Mission led by its Country Director Mio Oka, attended the workshop.

"ADB has been a steadfast partner in Madhya Pradesh's economic growth and development," Dubey said that. "We look forward to ADB's continued partnership in our next phase, which will emphasize comprehensive development in urban and industrial sectors. connectivity, education and skill enhancement and multi-sector approach to boost state's economic competitiveness."

Oka stated, "We deeply appreciate the trust placed in us by the Government of Madhya Pradesh, instrumental in building and sustaining this enduring 25-year partnership." "ADB looks forward to continue its support to the state's development agenda including focus on harnessing the state's solar energy potential, promoting agribusiness, improving school education, developing the health and care workforce and fostering public-private partnerships."

Mukherjee stated, "We are pleased that ADB's partnership with the state has been based on innovations and robust finance plus elements, which should be documented and shared with other states as well," She also recommended that the next phase of ADB support should adopt a strategic approach, focusing on multisector and transformative projects to maximize the multiplier effect of ADB financing.

It may be mentioned that the collaboration between ADB and Madhya Pradesh Govt. began in 1999. In Madhya Pradesh, ADB has assisted various projects in transport, energy, urban development, Irrigation, and education sector.

Currently six ADB assisted projects worth Rs 16596 crores are being implemented in the State of Madhya Pradesh in the sector of Urban, Road, Energy. Irrigation and Skill Development. Two other projects in the sector of urban and New and Renewable energy are in the pipeline that shall be implemented.