Preliminary discussions with the ADB and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) with regard to the project, have already happened and the final discussions are likely to be held by end-May or early June, Chidambaram said.
Reviewing arrangements for upcoming 4-day 39th meeting of ADB to be held in Hyderabad from May 3, Chidambaram said water resource management, loans for the agri-business sector and strengthening of commodity markets infrastructure would account for a significant percentage of ABD's 2006-08 assistance programme.
The Union government would also like to have ADB's assistance in the revival of the cooperative credit structure.
More than 55% of the ADB's two-year assistance programme would focus on transport and energy, although urban development would also feature prominently, Chidambaram said.
Apart from the statutory meetings on ADB's operations, the finance minister said this year's meeting would discuss a range of issues, including the trends in the international economy and their implications for Asia - from Basel II norms to IT, labour and global capital market flows.
