Asian Development Bank has reorganised its operational departments into five regional departments – East and Central Asia, Mekong, Pacific, South Asia, and Southeast Asia – to strengthen the country focus of its activities.

These five regional centres, which came into effect from January, 2002 replaced the broad division between the East and West, said the news published in the News from Nepal, quarterly newsletter of Nepal Resident Mission of the bank.

“The South Asia Regional Department (SARD) is responsible for Afghanistan, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. With a single point decision making SARD will improve responsiveness to Nepal and other countries of South Asia,” it said. “SARD will ensure that Nepal’s considerations and priorities guide sector and project decisions. It will also enable a more holistic and integrated approach to sub regional cooperation.”

The reorganisation is expected to benefit ADB member countries, as assistance will be more integrated and effective being based on a country’s overall requirements, rather than by sector or theme, said ADB.