ADB to focus on inclusive growth

CLARK FREEPORT — This year’s Philippine hosting of the 51st Asian Development Bank (ADB) Annual Meeting will focus on how to make progress more evenly felt throughout its entire member shi p.

“We have noticed that in many countries, while you know progress is happening, there are always inevitably communities that are left behind. This I think should be the focus in the coming years,” Finance Secretary and 2018 ADB Board of Governors Chair Carlos Domiguez said during the third leg of the press launch of the Philippine hosting.

This year’s meeting, slated from May 3-6 in Manila, will tackle the global and regional challenges brought by rapid technological progress, climate change, aging populations, urbanizations, and infrastructure gaps in fulfilling the institution’s vision of a Resilient, Inclusive, Sustainable, and Prosperous Asia-Pacific region.

“We will also discuss the impact of globalization, creating jobs in Asia, and expanding opportunities for women entrepreneurs in the context of forging a vision and strategy for the region’s future,” ADB Secretary Woochong Um disclosed.

Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors from ADB’s 67 members, of which 48 are from the Asia-Pacific Region, will be attending the meeting, which carries the theme “Linking People and Economies for Inclusive Development.”

Also expected to fly to Manila for the activity are bankers, representatives from the private sector, civil society organizations, academe, multilateral institutions, and the media.

(CLJD-PIA 3)