UAE formally approves US$3 billion for Pakistan

US$3bn with SBP aligns with the UAE leadership’s keenness to bolster Pakistan's economy

ABU DHABI (Dunya News) – Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, ADFD, has formalised US$3 billion (AED11 billion) deposit into the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) to support Pakistan’s economic growth and achieve the long-term objectives of its monetary policy, official Emirates News Agency reported on Tuesday.

Announced in December 2018, the decision to formalise the deposit was made under the directives of the President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of ADFD, and Tariq Bajwa, Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, signed the agreement at the ADFD headquarters in Abu Dhabi. Moazzam Ahmad Khan, Ambassador of Pakistan to the UAE, Khalifa Al Qubaisi, Deputy Director General of ADFD, and other senior representatives of the two parties attended the signing ceremony.

Speaking on the occasion, Saif Al Suwaidi said, "The directive to deposit US$3 billion with the State Bank of Pakistan aligns with the UAE leadership’s keenness to bolster Pakistan’s economy, help its government achieve financial stability and overcome economic challenges, and drive comprehensive development in the country."

"ADFD and the Pakistan government have enjoyed strong and long-standing ties dating back to 1981. The Fund’s efforts have significantly contributed to improving socio-economic conditions in the country, boosting strategic growth and achieving the development priorities of the Pakistani government," he added.

For his part, Tariq Bajwa, praised the UAE leadership for their continued support to the people of Pakistan. He also noted the support from ADFD over the years has stimulated economic growth and contributed to sustainable development.

To date, ADFD has provided AED1.5 billion to fund sustainable development projects in Pakistan spanning diverse sectors, including transport, water and agriculture, healthcare, and education.

The following is a brief overview of notable projects in strategic sectors funded by ADFD in Pakistan:

Transport Sector

In line with its strategy to focus on infrastructure projects that support socio-economic growth, ADFD has invested considerable capital into projects in Pakistan’s transport sector. In 2013, ADFD funded the AED227 million grant for the construction of the UAE-Pakistani Friendship Road. Linking the southern and northern parts of the Waziristan region, the 72 km road facilitates the movement of people and goods between three major cities and 20 villages.

Healthcare Sector

ADFD funded two healthcare projects in Pakistan worth AED230 million, aimed at elevating living standards.

In 2013, the Fund allocated AED217 million for the construction of the Emirates Hospital – a 1,000-bed integrated specialty medical centre. Catering to Pakistani military personnel and their families, as well as civilians with critical conditions, the facility has the capacity to receive 6,000 patients daily. The hospital features administrative and service departments, emergency care units, outpatient clinics, laboratories, and lecture halls to train military personnel and civilians in performing medical duties.

ADFD also allocated AED13 million to fit out the Sheikh Zayed Hospital in Lahore with modern equipment in compliance with best international standards in 2006.

Education Sector

In line with the Pakistani government’s development goals, ADFD has played a crucial role in enhancing the country’s education sector. In 2013, the Fund financed AED46 million training colleges. The project involved the construction of three training colleges in remote areas – Warsak College in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, as well as Wana College and Cadet College Spinkai, both in South Waziristan.

In addition, ADFD earmarked AED14 million to fund expansion works at the Sheikh Zayed International Academy, SZIA, in Islamabad in 2009.

Electricity Sector

To ensure an adequate and reliable power supply, ADFD funded AED66 million rehabilitate Tarbela Dam in 1981.