New framework focuses on private sector-led development, climate resilience and social inclusion
The Asian Development Bank on Wednesday launched a new country partnership strategy (CPS) for Pakistan for 2026–2030, outlining a roadmap to support the country’s transition towards sustainable and inclusive growth through private sector-led development.
The five-year strategy is built around three core pathways: enabling private sector development, advancing inclusion and empowerment, and enhancing resilience and sustainability. These priorities will be supported by crosscutting themes including good governance and institutional strengthening, gender equality and social inclusion, digital transformation, and regional cooperation and integration, according to an ADB press release.
“The new CPS is tailored to address Pakistan’s structural challenges and promote robust and lasting growth, which benefits the whole country, especially the poor and vulnerable,” said ADB Country Director for Pakistan Emma Fan. She added that the strategy promotes investments and reforms across key sectors to stimulate economic growth and job creation, while reaffirming ADB’s commitment to supporting both the public and private sectors.
The strategy comes at a time when Pakistan has stabilised its macroeconomic conditions following a series of external shocks and initiated structural reforms. It places strong emphasis on export- and investment-led growth, backed by improved public financial management, a more enabling business environment, and investments in high-impact sectors.
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Private sector development forms a central pillar of the CPS. Under the framework, ADB will support reforms and investments aimed at reducing regulatory and compliance burdens, improving infrastructure, expanding access to finance, promoting public–private partnerships, and strengthening private sector operations.
The CPS also identifies transformative opportunities in key sectors including critical minerals, railways and multimodal connectivity, energy security and clean energy, agricultural productivity and value chains, integrated water resource management, and skills development and employment.
To address emerging challenges, ADB plans to deploy integrated solutions combining policy reforms, sovereign and non-sovereign financing, technical assistance, and knowledge support across Pakistan.
Advancing inclusion and empowerment remains another key focus, with the bank prioritising investments to strengthen human capital, expand access to quality social services, and enhance women’s economic participation.
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Given Pakistan’s vulnerability to extreme weather events and disasters, resilience and sustainability form a core pillar of the strategy. ADB will support initiatives related to disaster risk management, climate change adaptation and mitigation, flood and water resource management, agriculture value chains, food security, and air quality improvement.
The CPS aligns with Pakistan’s National Economic Transformation Plan (2024–2029) and ADB’s Strategy 2030 Midterm Review, reflecting a shared commitment to achieving economic growth, social inclusion, resilience, and environmental sustainability. It also underscores ADB’s coordination with the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, and other development partners to maximise impact.
ADB has supported Pakistan since it became a founding member in 1966, committing 764 public sector loans, grants, and technical assistance projects amounting to $58.6 billion.
