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ADB to Hold Country Level Consultation on ADF IX

DHAKA, BANGLADESH (29 January 2004) The Asian Development Fund (ADF) is the largest and most important source of ADB's consessional assistance for the developing member countries of the Asia Pacific Region. This special resource of funds consists mainly of contributions mobilized under periodic replenishments from ADB's donors. Activities supported by the ADF promote reduction in poverty and improvements in the quality of life in the countries with a low per capita gross national product and limited debt-repayment capacity. Since becoming a member of ADB in 1973, Bangladesh has been a major recipient of ADF funding.

Donor members, management, and senior staff of the ADB are now discussing about the ninth replenishment of the ADF, with the next meeting scheduled for Lisbon in March 2004. Effective use of ADF resources in addressing the existing and emerging challenges of poverty is emphasized. A new approach towards coalition building at the level of stakeholders including government, NGOs, private sector, and development partners is emphasized. A new mix of the ADF resources with a balance between lending products and grant elements is also under discussion.

A day long consultation meeting on ADF (IX) will be held in Dhaka on 29 January 2004 with representatives of NGOs, and other civil society organizations (CSOs), private sector agencies, local government bodies, academics and researchers. The meeting will discuss how to expand ADB-Government-NGO/CSO cooperation in ADF-funded activities particularly for the reduction of poverty in Bangladesh. The result of this country level consultation meeting will be carried forward to the ADF negotiation process.