The Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer, Chris Pearce, delivered Australia’s statement to the Asian Development Bank (ADB) 40th Annual Meeting in Kyoto, Japan on Sunday 6 May.
Mr Pearce is attending the ADB Annual Meeting (4 – 7 May) on behalf of the Treasurer, Australia’s Governor at the ADB. During the Annual Meeting, Mr Pearce met with ADB President Kuroda and ministers from other countries in the Asia‑Pacific region.
Mr Pearce’s statement reflected on the region’s strong economic growth, continuing development challenges and implications for the ADB’s long‑term strategic direction.
In the statement Mr Pearce outlined Australia’s support for “strengthened ADB engagement in areas that are becoming increasingly important to building the region’s overall prosperity”.
“The challenge for the ADB is to serve all of its clients in focused and effective ways. As developing member country needs diverge further, this will be difficult. But we do not believe it is impossible,” Mr Pearce said.
Australia has been a member of the ADB since it was established in 1966 to assist the economic and social development of countries of the Asia and Pacific region. Australia remains one of the most significant shareholders in the Bank and attaches considerable importance to its work within the region.
7 May 2007
MELBOURNE
Contact: Conor O’Brien (03) 9887 3890 or 0402 970 515