Abstract:

The Asian and Pacific region is home to more than half the world. It also boasts one of the highest rates of growth and the brightest showcases for development. Unfortunately, many people have been bypassed by progress. For more than a quarter of a century, one institution has been striving to promote economic growth and alleviatepoverty in the region. Founded in 1966, the ADB is an international partnership of the world's major industrialized countries and the nations of Asia and the Pacific. The ADB is a catalyst for development through its lending operations, support to the private sector, technical assistance, and cofinancing. By helping to transfer capital and technology to the region's developing countries, it is making life better for millions of people throughout the Asian andPacific region.