In this issue, read about Asia's local currency bond markets, responses to the global economic crisis, and a $1 billion global bond issue. Featured is the handicraft industry in Kyrgyz Republic. Also, find out the latest on ADB events, publications, and opportunities.
Emerging East Asia's local currency bond markets are expected to expand this year with several governments likely to sell debt to pump-prime their economies.
ADB President Haruhiko Kuroda said the evolving global economic crisis and its impacts on the region will provide the backdrop for furthering dialogue and deciding on firm actions.
Stock exchanges in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations have agreed on a regional mechanism that will route orders from brokers directly to the local exchanges.
ADB welcomes the Government of Japan's initiative to facilitate trade finance through the Japan Bank for International Cooperation, cooperating with the ADB's Trade Finance Facilitation Program
Asia is set to become the oldest region in the world within decades and will have to take tough policy decisions to help it cope with the huge economic impact of an aging population.
ADB has approved a technical assistance grant to raise awareness through the media on the serious threat that climate change poses to hundreds of millions of people in the region.
Japan's Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ and ADB have signed an agreement under the ADB's Trade Finance Facilitation Program designed to foster international trading activities with developing Asian nations.
News from Resident Missions
Afghanistan Resident Mission: $266 million in Grant Agreements Signed for Afghanistan Infrastructure Projects Country Director Craig Steffensen and Finance Minister Anwar-ul Haq Ahady signed four agreements for the first $164 million tranche of Energy Sector Development Investment Program multitranche financing facility (MFF), first $60 million tranche for Road Network Development Program MFF, and the Agriculture Market Infrastructure Project.
Pakistan Resident Mission: ADB, Pakistan Sign $300 million Sindh Cities Improvement Investment Program ADB's $300 million assistance to improve water and sanitation services in Sindh province will help provide basic urban services to four million residents, improving quality and help urban centers unleash their economic potential, Country Director Rune Stroem says.
Indonesia Resident Mission: Indonesian President Visits ADB Booth President Yudhoyono and the Head of the Reconstruction Agency for Aceh and Nias visited the ADB booth at an exposition marking the completion of the mandate of the agency. Accomplishments of the Earthquake and Tsunami Emergency Suppport Project were showcased.
Water Project to Ease the Strain on Women in Lao PDR Women who spend up to two hours a day on the backbreaking task of water collection and storage will be key beneficiaries of a new water supply and sanitation project in the Lao People's Democratic Republic.
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March 2009
