Building a Strong Middle Class in Asia

Investing in training and practical education will stimulate and diversify the job market in Asia - moving the poor into middle class. Watch Video

Asian Economies Bounce Back

Developing country economies in Asia are returning to strong growth driven by rising consumption and intraregional trade. Read More

Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation Program: Eleventh Ministerial Conference

Ministers from 10 nations in Central Asia gathered in Wuhan, People’s Republic of China in October 2012 to discuss concrete ways to boost connectivity and cooperation in the sub-region. Read More

Southeast Asia's Strength Keeps Asia Growth on Track - ADB Report

The surging economies of Southeast Asia have been a bright spot in developing Asia’s otherwise subdued 2012 growth performance, but the broader region should still pick up steam in 2013, says a new ADB report. Read More

Overview

Afghanistan faces daunting challenges, including endemic poverty and lack of human capacity; insecurity; weak governance and institutionalized corruption; opium exports equal to 13% of gross domestic product; rampant gender inequality; and policy, regulatory, and institutional constraints that have limited economic growth.

ADB’s country partnership strategy (CPS), 2009-2013, for Afghanistan continues to focus on energy, transport and communications, agriculture and natural resources, and governance.

Fast Facts

27.03 (2012)
Population in millions

2.0% (2010-2012)
Annual population growth rate

36.0% (2008)
Population living below the national poverty line

ADB Lending

Amount ($M) / %
Sector (No. of loans)
167.80 / 17.62
Agriculture (8)
 
70.50 / 7.40
Energy (3)
 
5.00 / 0.53
Finance (1)
 
5.70 / 0.60
Industry and Trade (1)
 
48.00 / 5.04
Public Sector (1)
 
338.10 / 35.50
Transport and ICT (7)
 
317.18 / 33.31
Multisector (2)
 
952.28 / 100.00
TOTAL (23)
Cumulative as of 31 December 2012