ADB President Reaffirms Support for Bhutan’s Development and Climate Resilience Efforts

The new Country Partnership Strategy (CPS) 2024–2028 will focus on policy reforms, resilient infrastructure, and human capital development, aligning with Bhutan's 13th Five-Year Plan.

Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Masatsugu Asakawa praised Bhutan’s recent graduation from Least Developed Country status and reaffirmed ADB’s long-standing commitment to the nation’s sustainable development goals during his official three-day visit.

"Bhutan has made significant progress in poverty reduction, education, and healthcare," said Asakawa. "ADB remains a committed partner in helping Bhutan achieve further milestones through its new country strategy." The new Country Partnership Strategy (CPS) 2024–2028 will focus on policy reforms, resilient infrastructure, and human capital development, aligning with Bhutan's 13th Five-Year Plan.

As part of the visit, Asakawa and Bhutanese Finance Minister Lekey Dorji witnessed the signing of a $30 million Distributed Solar for Public Infrastructure Project aimed at boosting renewable energy in public infrastructure.

Highlighting climate change, Asakawa toured rural Himalayan areas, emphasizing the risks posed by rapid glacial melt. "Climate action is a top priority for ADB, and we are launching initiatives to build resilience in vulnerable regions like the Hindu Kush Himalayas," he said.

In addition to climate resilience, Asakawa visited ADB-funded health and education projects, including the Babena satellite clinic in Thimphu and the Samthang Technical Training Institute, designed to enhance employability and reduce pressure on urban healthcare facilities.