Visit Swiss Cooperation Office websites.
Established
1966
Headquarters
Manila (the Philippines)
Members
67 states of which 48 are Asian countries
Organization
The Board of Governors is the highest decision-making body; the Board of Directors deals with operational decisions
President
Haruhiko Kuroda
Staff
2,950
Financing
Member contributions, earned income and reserves as well as through the international capital market
Swiss contribution 2012
CHF 13.5 million
Link
www.adb.org
The Asian Development Bank ADB
The Asian Development Bank, ADB, was founded in 1966 and has 67 members of which 48 come from the region. The bank has contributed successfully to the impressive economic growth of Asia. However, there are still numerous challenges. With 60% of the world’s poor living in Asia, combating poverty is the main goal of the Asian Development Bank.
| The main tasks of the Asian Development Bank ADB |
The task of the Asian Development Bank (AsDB) is to mobilise financial resources and know-how to further Asia’s economic and social development.
In 2009, the AsDB adopted its strategy for 2020, reaffirming its commitment to free Asia of poverty and its role in improving living conditions and the quality
of life of the region‘s people. To achieve this overall goal, it pursues three mutually complementary objectives: economic growth that includes the poorest classes of the population, ecologically
sustainable growth, and regional integration. Overarching themes are the development of the private sector, the promotion of good governance, equality between the sexes, and improved access to
knowledge. The Asian Development Bank works in partnerships with other development agencies, the private sector and civil society organisations.
The most important instruments of the ADB include the granting of credits at conditions similar to those on the market, the provision of technical assistance, political dialogue, guarantees and
direct investments amounting to between USD 12 and 16 billion a year. The Asian Development Fund, ADF, which is administered by the ADB is of major importance. This fund provides around USD 2 billion
a year in credits and grants at favourable interest rates to the poorest ADB member countries.
| The ADB and Switzerland |
Switzerland has been a member of the ADB since 1967 and has participated in the Asian Development Fund since its foundation in 1973.
The highest decision-making body of the ADB is the Board of Governors which makes key decisions concerning such matters as the acceptance of new members and increasing share capital. Switzerland
takes part in this body with one representative each from seco and the SDC. Most of the bank’s competencies lie with the 12-member Board of Directors, eight of whom come from regional member states
and four from non-regional members. The Board of Directors meets once a week to discuss and decide on credit requests, policy papers, country and sectoral strategies, and budget and financial
questions. Switzerland belongs to a voting group with Belgium, France, Italy, Portugal and Spain.
Switzerland has a capital/voting share of 0.6% in the ADB. On the other hand, the Swiss participation in the ADF is 1.1%.
Through its presence on the different bodies, Switzerland works to ensure that the ADB pursues its primary goal of fighting poverty efficiently and also promotes sustainable development. Further
information on cooperation with the ADB can be found in “Switzerland and the Asian Development Bank.
Additional Information and Documents
- La Suisse et la Banque Asiatique de Développement (ADB)
Lignes d'action
Download (PDF, 1074 KB) : [de] [fr] - L'Accent multilatéral / Juin 2011: Au secours de la gouvernance financière
La banque africaine cherche le dialogue politique avec les pays fragiles - Justice, sécurité et emploi, le nouveau credo de la Banque mondiale - Le PNUD au coeur des Etats fragiles
Download (PDF, 1880 KB) : [de] [fr] -
ADB Development Effectiveness Review
http://beta.adb.org/documents/series/development-effectiveness-review