Total committed credits of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) exceeded 30 billion USD for the first time in its 50-year history last year as regional demand for development projects continues to grow.
Hanoi (VNA) – Total committed credits of the Asian Development Bank (ADB)exceeded 30 billion USD for the first time in its 50-year history last year asregional demand for development projects continues to grow, according to thebank’s 2016 annual report released on April 25.
Thereport showed that ADB’s total lending in 2016, including co-financing, reached31.70 billion USD, an 18 percent increase from 2015.
Thetotal included 17.47 billion USD in approvals for loans and grants, 169 millionUSD for technical assistance, and 14.06 billion USD for co-financing, whichrose by a record 31 percent over the previous year.
Disbursementalso reached a new high of 12.26 billion USD in 2016.
“Theincrease in our development financing to Asia and the Pacific reflects ourstrong commitment to improving the lives of the people in the region,” said ADBPresident Takehiko Nakao. “As ADB celebrates 50 years of providing developmentassistance, we will strive even harder to meet the changing needs of ourdeveloping member countries.”
ADBestimates that the Asia-Pacific region requires 1.7 trillion USD a year to meetits infrastructure financing needs as a lack of infrastructure continues tolimit economic growth, inhibit poverty reduction, and restrict improvements toquality of life.
Thereare still 330 million people living in absolute poverty across the region.
ADB,based in Manila, is dedicated to reducing poverty in Asia and the Pacificthrough inclusive economic growth, environmentally sustainable growth, andregional integration.
Established in 1966, ADB is celebrating 50 years of development partnership inthe region. It is owned by 67 members - 48 from the region.- VNA
Asia and the Pacific will need 1.7 trillion USD per year from now to 2030 for developing infrastructure, including climate change mitigation and adaptation costs, according to an ADB report.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will continue its support for infrastructure development in Vietnam, said ADB Vice President for Knowledgement Management and Sustainable Development Bambang Susantono at a press conference on March 8.
A programme on developing human resources in 2011-2016 proved effective, helping the Health Ministry establish and fortify key foundations of the medical workforce system.
Vietnam’s economy will grow at 6.5 percent in 2017 and expand to 6.7 percent in 2018, according to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)’s “Asian Development Outlook 2017” report.
Featuring a permanent exhibition area, the ASEAN Hall will function both as a cultural showcase and as a dynamic venue for ASEAN-related events and programmes. Its inauguration on ASEAN Day added symbolic weight, marking a fresh milestone in ASEAN–RoK relations.
Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce and rice exporters are devising strategic plans to boost rice exports amid global market fluctuations, focusing on key markets and adjusting output.
The focus of the upcoming ASEAN Summit in October will be on strengthening economic relations through intra-regional trade and investment, as well as regional initiatives on energy networks and connectivity.
Indonesian Ambassador Rina P. Soemarno, who currently serves as Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Prague, emphasised the spirit of regional solidarity and cooperation, and the importance of enhancing ASEAN–Czech Republic relations.
The Indonesian Government is determined to seize opportunities to enhance the competitiveness of national agricultural products, an official has said, adding that it always strives to promote exports at the highest possible level, based on a mutually beneficial foundation.
Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira has outlined a six-point strategy to promote innovation, support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and push for Thailand's removal from the US Trade Representative (USTR)’s special 301 Watch List regarding intellectual property rights protection among trading partners.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Israel Ly Duc Trung emphasised ASEAN’s central role in regional mechanisms such as the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and the East Asia Summit (EAS), highlighting its significant contribution to promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in Southeast Asia.
The consumer index of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC), fell to 51.7 in July from 52.7 in the previous month. The sluggish economy and the trade war, as well as high living costs, continue to undermine confidence, the university said.
Deputy Speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly Istvan Jakab expressed his hope for further deepening Hungary’s ties with ASEAN countries and called for their support for Hungary’s accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia.
The 30-storey tower crumbled seconds after a 7.7-magnitude earthquake hit neighbouring Myanmar on March 28. The partially built high-rise, meant to house the State Audit Office (SAO), was the only building in Thailand to collapse, killing 89 people on the site, mostly construction workers.
Indonesia’s waste generation is projected to exceed 50 million tonnes in 2025. Of the total, more than 20 million tonnes could potentially enter the ocean through rivers, coastal areas, small islands, ports, and marine activities, and thereby, pose a risk to coastal ecosystems and marine biota.
Indonesia is accelerating plans to increase lithium imports, particularly from Australia, in a bid to fill gaps in the electric vehicle (EV) battery supply chain and realise its ambition of becoming a global EV manufacturing hub.
Malaysia’s gross expenditure on R&D (GERD) reached 1.01% of gross domestic product in 2022, a notable increase, with more than 51% contributed by the industry sector. The country is targeting GERD to reach 2.5% by 2030, in line with the national goal of transforming into a high-technology nation.
The facility was established in response to a growing shift in the Filipino labour force from the Middle East to Japan, where workers are seeking safer working environments.
In the latest Indonesia-US trade agreement in July, the US administration agreed to reduce the reciprocal tariff, which was initially set at 32% by US President Donald Trump last April, to 19%.
Real estate agency ERA Singapore estimated that there are 2,703 condo developments in Singapore today, of which 836 or 31% are at least 30 years old. In 10 years, this number is expected to climb to 1,160, assuming none is sold en bloc.
The new framework is designed to ensure that incoming investments deliver tangible national benefits, such as the creation of high-quality jobs for Malaysians and the development of local company ecosystems and technologies.
Singapore led with a total of 8.8 billion USD in realised investment, followed by Hong Kong and mainland China, Malaysia, and Japan with 8 billion USD, 1.7 billion USD and 1.6 billion USD, respectively.
Thai Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai on August 7 outlined his strategy for tackling drug problems in Thailand, aiming for a "Zero Drugs Thailand" within three months.
The US has described Malaysia's role as Chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as vital in helping ease tension between Thailand and Cambodia.
Photo: tribune.com.pk 
