An eight-member delegation of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) led by its Vice-President Ashok Lavasa, visited PRAN-RFL Industrial Park in Narsingdi on Friday.
The delegation visited different parts of the industrial park, said a press release on Saturday.
Ashok Lavasa is in-charge of Private Sector Operations and Public-Private Partnerships.
The delegation also included ADB’s Country Director for Bangladesh Edimon Ginting. Ahsan Khan Chowdhury, chairman and CEO of PRAN-RFL Group and Uzma Chowdhury, director of PRAN-RFL Group (Corporate Finance) appraised the delegation of various aspects of the production process.
While talking about the visit, the Chairman and CEO of PRAN- RFL Group Ahsan Khan Chowdhury said, “The visit of the ADB delegation at this transitional time is very positive and joyful. ADB’s funding always plays an important role in diversifying export items of the nation. We are hopeful to receive further technical assistance in diversifying agriculture produce and agro-processing industry in Bangladesh.”
ADB has financed the PRAN group at various times to increase farmers’ income and efficiency through expanding the agro-processing business, sustainable development in the agriculture sector and job creation in Bangladesh.
The bank has financed the PRAN Group around USD 49 million in three phases from 2012. The fund has been given as a long-term loan to purchase capital machinery and job creation.
ADB has expressed interest in further financing for the development of the agriculture sector. As a development financial institution, ADB works for women's empowerment and PRAN employs 50 per cent of women workforce in the production facility, with the same pay scale as men.
ADB also praised PRAN for social initiative as child labour eradication in society.
The delegation expressed satisfaction to see the overall activities of the Industrial Park.
They also expressed optimism to work with PRAN in the coming days to create more jobs and sustainable business.
