Asian Development Bank - Fighting Poverty in Asia and the Pacific
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Funding and Lending

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Where does ADB get its funding?

ADB raises fund through bond issues on the world's capital markets. We also rely on our members' contributions, retained earnings from our lending operations, and the repayment of loans.

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How much does ADB lend every year?

ADB approved 96 loans (82 projects) valued at $10.1 billion in 2007. This is a 36% increase over the $6.82 billion in 2006.

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What is a technical assistance (TA)?

TA is vital service used to assist countries in identify and design projects, improve institutions, formulate development strategies, or foster regional cooperation. TA can be financed by grants, or - more rarely - loans through ADB's central budget or a number of special funds provided by ADB's donor members.

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How much technical assistance does ADB provide every year?

In 2007, a total of 242 technical assistance projects for $243.4 million, including 197 new projects and 45 supplementary projects were approved. In financial terms, this represents 0.9% increase over the 259 projects for $241.2 million in 2006.

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To which sector does ADB lend the most?

More than half of ADB's assistance has gone into building infrastructure - roads, airports, power plants, and water and sanitation facilities. Such infrastructure helps lay the foundation for commerce and economic growth and makes essential services accessible to the poor.

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Does ADB only offer assistance to governments of developing member countries?

No. Although most lending is in the public sector, and to governments, ADB also provides direct assistance to private enterprises of DMCs through equity investments and loans.

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What is ADB's biggest borrowing country?

Indonesia is the biggest cumulative borrower, with loans totaling $22.56 billion by 2007. The People's Republic of China (PRC) has borrowed $19.25 billion. In 2007, Pakistan was the biggest borrower, followed by Viet Nam, India, and the PRC.

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Does ADB's development dollar count for anything in the age of vast private capital flows?

Yes. ADB ventures where others - especially private capital - fear to tread. It provides assurance, security, and guarantees. ADB is a known and trusted development specialist. Private capital follows ADB - not vice versa.

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