Summary of Conference Proceedings

The 2006 ADBI Conference on Infrastructure for Regional Cooperation was held in the ADBI conference facilities in Tokyo, Japan last 08 December.

The conference subject area of infrastructure for regional cooperation brings together two key development issues: infrastructure and regional cooperation. There are clear signs of a resurgence of interest in infrastructure in developing countries, while regional cooperation and integration are key issues facing the Asia-Pacific region.

Infrastructure fosters economic growth, strengthens inclusiveness, and reduces poverty. Especially, infrastructure investment facilitates regional economic integration, which motivates regional cooperation, including cooperation in infrastructure development, generating a virtuous cycle.

Consequently, the Asian Development Bank Institute places special emphasis on Infrastructure for Regional Cooperation. Topics within this field of specialization include studies of cross-regional interest, i.e., research work with relevance for several countries or sub-regions in Asia and the Pacific, relating to any of the main areas of infrastructure management that are currently key challenges in ADB's developing member countries. Specific infrastructure sectors covered include communication, water, transport, and power, while regulatory frameworks are also addressed.

The 2006 Asian Development Bank Institute Annual Conference focused on some of these issues. In particular, the conference examined issues related to external financing and governance of infrastructure, and infrastructure's effects on trade and poverty reduction. The presentations and discussions provided important inputs to a major study by the Institute on infrastructure for regional cooperation, which will be launched in 2007.

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