Further steps in the conditions of global economic crisis were discussed at the 45th annual meeting of the ADB Board of Governors which was held on May 2-5 in Manila.

Tajik delegation included First Deputy Prime Minister and ADB Governor for Tajikistan Matlubkhon Davlatov and Minister of Economic Development and Trade Sharif Rakhimzoda, ADB Office in Tajikistan told AP.

ADB’s meeting in Manila gathered a record number of more than 5,000 registered delegates including finance ministers and other key policymakers, business leaders, central bankers, private sector representatives, civil society and media.

Key issues at this year’s meeting included what Asia must do to adapt to the global economic downturn, build resilience in urban centers, promote green growth, ensure regional food security, and grow trade between Asia and Latin America.

The meeting took place against the backdrop of an Asia and Pacific region that has seen steady growth and is leading global recovery, but is vulnerable to growing inflation, spikes in fuel prices, austerity measures in the eurozone, and worsening impacts of climate change.

The theme of “Inclusive Growth through Better Governance and Partnerships” provided a platform to discuss one of the region’s most pressing issues: how to bring the benefits of Asia’s rapid growth to all levels of society, especially the poor.

ADB also announced that it secured $12.4 billion for its concessional Asian Development Fund, a 9.5% increase over the previous four-year period. The funds will be used to promote gender mainstreaming, good governance, food security, private sector development and the formation of a Disaster Response Facility.

The Board of Governors is ADB’s highest policy-making body and the annual meetings are statutory occasions at which Governors can provide guidance on ADB’s administrative, financial, and operational priorities. Next year''s meeting will take place in Delhi, India from 2-5 May 2013.