ADB was conceived amid the postwar rehabilitation and reconstruction of the early 1960s. The vision was of a financial institution that would be Asian in character and foster economic growth and cooperation in the region then one of the poorest in the world. ADB is an international development finance institution whose mission is to help its developing member countries reduce poverty and improve the quality of life of their people.

ADBs main partners are governments, the private sector, nongovernment organizations, development agencies, community-based organizations, and foundations. In pursuing its vision, ADBs main instruments comprise loans, technical assistance, grants, advice, and knowledge. Although most lending is in the public sector – and to governments – ADB also provides direct assistance to private enterprises of developing countries through equity investments, guarantees, and loans.

For more information, please visit http://www.adb.org