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ADB Holds Conference on Poverty, Growth, and the Role of Institutions

MANILA, PHILIPPINES (5 October 2001) - The Asian Development Bank will host a three-day conference on Poverty, Growth, and the Role of Institutions beginning 10 October 2001 at the ADB headquarters in Manila. The conference will discuss the relationship between economic growth and poverty reduction by examining the role of institutional, political, and socio-cultural factors.

Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will deliver the inaugural address, while ADB President Tadao Chino will provide the opening remarks. The keynote speech will be delivered by Professor Assar Lindbeck of Stockholm University, and formerly chair of the Nobel Prize Committee for Economic Science.

The conference will discuss the findings and policy implications of a regional study funded by ADB which is currently being finalized. The study will present experiences of various Asian developing countries, including those that have achieved both rapid economic growth and poverty reduction, as well as those that have been less successful. What are the key elements for pro-poor growth and poverty reduction? What are the constraints to poverty reduction in Asian developing countries? How are these constraints to be effectively tackled? These are among the main questions to be addressed by the conference participants.

The conference will be attended by high-level government officials from Asia, representatives of international and bilateral agencies, academics, and representatives from non-government organizations (NGOs ) and other civil society groups.

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