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NEWS FROM THE ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK January 2009


ADB Review provides an electronic digest of activities of the Asian Development Bank.

ADB Review January 2009 Issue


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Welcome to 2009! In this issue, read about ADB’s economic forecast for the year ahead, ADB’s enhanced operations evaluation function, and a new regional network for poverty reduction. Featured is the Srandakan Bridge in Indonesia. Also, find out the latest on ADB events, publications, and opportunities.
Top News
Slowdown in Growth, Difficult Year Ahead for Developing Asia

Economic growth in developing Asia will slow to 5.8% in 2009, down from a likely 6.9% this year and 9% in 2007, as the impact of the global financial crisis spreads to emerging markets, says a new report from ADB.

ADB Approves Measures to Enhance Operations Evaluation Function

ADB’s Board of Directors approved a series of measures to further enhance the independence and overall effectiveness of ADB's operations evaluation function.

Formal Regional Network to Share Knowledge on Poverty Reduction

ADB has approved a project to support a regional network of research institutions and policymakers in Asia and the Pacific to share knowledge on poverty reduction and inclusive growth.

Future Carbon Fund to Begin Operations

ADB has received financing commitments of over $100 million for a new post-2012 carbon fund and will begin its operations this month.

ADB Granted Observer Status by EAG

The Eurasian Group on Combating Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism (EAG) has granted observer-member status to ADB.
News from Resident Missions
Lao Resident Mission: Director General for Southeast Asia Visits the Lao PDR
Arjun Thapan accompanied by ADB Lao PDR Country Director Gil-Hong Kim met with Prime Minister Bouasone Bouphavanh, the Minister of Planning and Investment, and Vice Minister of Finance to discuss ADB's general capital increase.
Poorest Households in Mongolia Benefit from Food Stamp Program
100,000 poor and vulnerable households in Mongolia reeling from soaring food prices will benefit from the food stamp program to be funded by ADB. The grant agreement was signed by Adrian Ruthenberg, ADB’s Country Director for Mongolia and S. Bayartsogt, Minister of Finance of Mongolia.
Project News
ADB to Help Clean Up China’s Third Largest River Basin
A project to reduce pollution and improve clean water supply from the third largest river basin in the People’s Republic of China, the Songhua River Basin, is getting support from ADB.
Clean Future for World's Dirtiest River
Indonesia's efforts to clean up the Citarum River received a major boost following ADB’s approval of a $500 million multitranche loan package.
$400M Approved for Multitranche Financing Facility for Papua New Guinea
ADB has approved a multitranche financing facility of up to $400 million to help build and manage a sustainable road system in the five provinces of the Highlands region—one of the most remote areas in Papua New Guinea.
Regional Governments in Indonesia Benefit from $350 Million ADB Loan
Improved financial and economic management at all levels of government will be the outcome of a $350 million program loan granted by ADB for regional and local government reform in Indonesia.
Investment and Reforms for Cities in Pakistan's Sindh Province
The Pakistan province of Sindh will improve water and sanitation infrastructure in its secondary cities under a $300 million loan to the Sindh Cities Improvement Investment Program approved by ADB.
ADB to Help Tuvalu Strengthen Public Financial Management and Good Governance
ADB will help the Tuvalu Government strengthen its public financial management and governance systems, as the island nation copes with reduced income from offshore sources due to the global financial crisis.
Support for Water Resource Management in Uzbekistan
Irrigation and drainage will be upgraded and rehabilitated to improve Uzbekistan agricultural productivity under a $100 million loan.
ADB to Help Revive Vital Chinese Coastal Wetlands
ADB is helping to revive key water sources and wetlands in and around Qingdao municipality in eastern People's Republic of China that have been degraded by years of pollution and overuse.
Indonesia Gets Further ADB Support for Reforms to Boost Growth, Cut Poverty
ADB is providing a $200 million loan to Indonesia to support efforts to sustain the country's economic growth and reduce poverty.
$300 Million Loan to Help Philippines Improve Justice System
ADB is extending a $300 million loan to help the Philippine Government improve the integrity and efficiency of its justice system.
ADB to Help Protect PRC's Wuzhou City from Geological Hazards
Nearly half a million residents in the city of Wuzhou in western People's Republic of China will benefit from a $100 million loan from ADB that will help protect the mountainous city from landslides, slope collapse, and mud and debris flows.
Loans Totaling $300 Million Approved to Boost Growth, Meet MDGs in Pakistan
ADB is extending three loans totaling $300 million to three provinces of Pakistan in support of local government programs to boost sustainable growth, reduce poverty, and improve the health of women and infants.
Food Stamp Program to Bring Relief to Mongolia
At least 100,000 of the poorest households in Mongolia reeling from soaring food prices will benefit from a food stamp program to be funded by ADB.
ADB to Help Expand Rail Network in Less-Developed Areas in Western China
ADB is helping the People’s Republic of China expand its rail network in the less-developed western region.
South Asian Countries to Develop Subregional Tourism Focused on Cultural And Natural Heritage
Five South Asian countries will deepen their cooperation to promote their unique tourism market of culture and nature-based destinations
$25 Million Loan Approved to Aid Poverty Reduction in Viet Nam
ADB is providing a $25 million loan to help Viet Nam carry out policy reforms for its poverty reduction program in cooperation with a number of other development partners.
ADB Supports Cambodia's Push to Diversify Economy
ADB is providing a loan and grant financing for a program that supports the Government of Cambodia’s drive to expand the private sector and diversify its economic base beyond garments, tourism, and construction.
ADB to Help Cambodia Improve Public Financial Management for Rural Development
ADB providing $10.81 million to support efforts by Cambodia to improve its public financial management to ensure that much-needed government funds reach the rural poor.
ADB and Spain Help Improve Farming Technology in Three Provinces in China
More than half a million rural households will benefit from an $83 million loan by ADB to improve farming technology and practices, ensuring double-digit income growth in three poor provinces in the People's Republic of China.
ADB Supports Water and Sanitation Improvements in Sri Lanka's Dry Zone
Key urban centers in Sri Lanka's Northern and Northwestern provinces are utilizing ADB funds to upgrade neglected and overstretched water and sanitation systems.

Speeches
Asia's Contribution to Global Development and Stability

Closing Remarks by Haruhiko Kuroda, ADB President, at the ADB Institute Annual Conference on 5 December 2008 in Tokyo.


Features
Bridge to the Future

Part of a $250 million road rehabilitation project in Indonesia bridged two rural districts, boosted trade, and helped preserve social and cultural connections.


Publications
The Challenges of Doing Business in Papua New Guinea: An Analytical Summary of the 2007 Business Environment Survey by the Institute of National Affairs
Urban Development Experience and Visions India and the People's Republic of China
ADBI working paper - Regional Cooperation, Infrastructure, and Trade Costs
ADBI working paper - Asian Trade and Global Linkages
ADBI working paper - The Unfolding Turmoil of 2007–2008: Lessons and Responses
ADBI working paper - Reconstruction after a Major Disaster: Lessons from the Post-Tsunami Experience in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Thailand

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