MANILA, PHILIPPINES - ADB is viewed as effective and largely successful in its work, but there is room for improvement, according to the first ever independent ADB perceptions survey, conducted of more than 700 opinion leaders in 30 member countries.

In the survey – carried out earlier this year – the Manila-based multilateral development bank is acknowledged for its contribution to the development progress of the Asia and Pacific region. Many opinion leaders interviewed noted ADB’s operational excellence particularly in infrastructure and regional cooperation and integration initiatives.

On its core mission of poverty reduction, ADB is viewed as doing at least an average job and often good or excellent in its work.

ADB's financial assets and knowledge-related services are two of its main strengths, according to respondents. ADB receives good marks for its financial resources – loans and grants and other assistance – as well professional knowledge and expertise of staff.

Across ADB member countries, opinion leaders generally believe that ADB has had a positive impact in its countries of operation and that it strives to meet national development goals and objectives. The survey indicates that ADB clients – opinion leaders with involvement in ADB programs or other work over the last three years – are particularly positive about its impact and helpfulness.

However, opinion leaders also found that ADB lacked capacity or is spread too thinly. Other weaknesses identified were its procedures, which some opinion leaders characterize as too bureaucratic.

“We will use the survey findings to help us identify how we can make further improvements,” says ADB President Haruhiko Kuroda.

ADB commissioned a professional polling firm to conduct the survey to assess the views of critically important audiences toward international development in Asia and ADB's performance in fighting poverty.

The sample included randomly chosen opinion leaders in government, media, civil society, academia, the private sector, and development partners in donor countries and ADB's five operational regions. Mandatory for participation in the poll was a basic knowledge of ADB.