The Asian Development Bank (ADB) today launched celebrations at its Manila headquarters to mark the 30th anniversary of its European Representative Office and to highlight Europe’s collaboration with ADB to advance sustainable development across the region.
“Europe has partnered with ADB for decades, providing over $30 billion in financing as well as innovation and expertise, delivering tangible results for people across Asia and the Pacific,” said ADB President Masato Kanda. “This prosperity flows both ways as ADB is a gateway for European companies to connect with Asia’s dynamic markets for mutual benefit.”
Since ADB was founded in 1966, European members have provided more than $18 billion in project cofinancing, nearly $2 billion in trust fund contributions, and accounted for over 28% of total funding for the Asian Development Fund—the bank’s main source of grants supporting the poorest and most vulnerable communities in Asia and the Pacific.
European companies have played an important role in delivering ADB projects across key sectors including energy, transport, water, and agriculture. Since ADB’s founding, European firms have won over $15 billion in contracts. Opportunities for European companies and expertise to engage further in ADB’s growing operational pipeline were highlighted during the event, including through a series of business opportunity roadshows planned across Europe during 2026.
The event was attended by ADB Governors Pasi Hellman, Under-Secretary of State, Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, and Johann Saathoff, Parliamentary State Secretary, Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development of Germany, as well as ambassadors, ADB Board of Directors members, and development partners.
ADB is a leading multilateral development bank supporting inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth across Asia and the Pacific. Working with its members and partners to solve complex challenges together, ADB harnesses innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to transform lives, build quality infrastructure, and safeguard our planet. Founded in 1966, ADB is owned by 69 members—50 from the region.
