ADBI Annual Conference 2008: Asia's Contribution to Global Economic Development and Stability

ADBI held its Annual Conference on 5 December, highlighting key development issues for the region. The three topics covered Asia's contribution to:

1. Global Economic Stability
2. Global Trading System
3. Global Public Goods

Papers were presented on the global financial crisis as well as the instability in food prices, arguing that Asia’s best response was to provide deeper and more developed markets for both sectors. Regionalism and enhanced cooperation were seen as ways Asia can lead the world in, and back to, multilateral trade liberalization. Finally, working to address poverty and inequality Asia can contribute to global public goods, reducing environmental degradation and growing in a socially sustainable manner. The keynote address was given by Jean-Pisani Ferry, of BRUEGEL while ADB President Kuroda provided closing remarks.