At a high-level Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) gathering in Manila today, ADB President Masato Kanda urged governments to move faster from plans to financed projects, stressing that stronger cross-border connectivity is essential to the region’s resilience and prosperity. 

ADB is supporting this push by mobilizing up to $30 billion for ASEAN priorities by 2030, including investments in energy connectivity through the ASEAN Power Grid.

The financing will help protect essential services as the Middle East conflict puts pressure on the Philippines and Maldives. In the Philippines, it will support more accessible, quality health care, while in Maldives, it will help keep electricity, water, transport, and other critical services running.

The new FIELD Initiative aims to bring 1 million hectares of land under sustainable management by 2035, helping strengthen food and water security across the region.

Strong demand for ADB’s latest bond reflects investors’ continued confidence in its financial strength and development mandate.

The bank plans to raise $39B–$45B in 2026 to fund development across Asia and the Pacific.

Mr. Andrysiak will lead ADB’s work in Timor-Leste, helping advance the country’s development priorities through public and private sector solutions, stronger partnerships, and new opportunities for sustainable growth.