Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer, the Hon. Bernie Ripoll MP, today wrapped up a range of discussions with key regional counterparts at the Asian Development Bank's (ADB) 45th Annual Meeting in Manila.
Mr Ripoll said the meeting was an excellent opportunity to further Australia's strong relationship with the ADB, one of Australia's most important development partners, and to address economic development issues with decision-makers from around the region.
"Australia's future prosperity and that of our neighbours is closely connected, reflecting our strengthening economic ties," Mr Ripoll said.
"Given ADB's strong results performance, we look forward to continuing to work closely with the Bank to achieve inclusive and sustainable growth in the region. We want to see an Asia Pacific without poverty."
"We also see a key role for the ADB in the international community's engagement with Burma, and encourage the ADB to work closely with other development partners."
Mr Ripoll addressed the annual meeting and met with ADB President Haruhiko Kuroda.
"We appreciate President Kuroda's push for ongoing reforms at the Bank, and we want the ADB to go from strength to strength. That is why we want to see the Bank improve further in four areas: results reporting; project performance and reform of business processes; implementation of safeguards policy; and leveraging greater private sector resources."
Mr Ripoll was returning to the Philippines after previously leading a Youth Delegation.
"I am very happy to return to the Philippines and witness how it has developed since my previous visit," Mr Ripoll said.
"I would like to congratulate the Philippines on the excellent job they have done in hosting the 45th ADB Annual Meeting."
In addition to attending bilateral meetings with Indonesia, Cambodia, Afghanistan, New Zealand, and Hong Kong, the Parliamentary Secretary met with representatives of ten other countries in Australia's ADB constituency and with finance ministers from a range of Pacific island countries.
Mr Ripoll said he looked forward to meeting with his ministerial counterparts from the Pacific at the upcoming Forum Economic Ministers Meeting in July.
7 May 2012