Asian Development Bank

ADB Through the Decades Asian Development Bank

The 5-volume publication, ADB through the Decades, provides a historical account of how ADB has evolved to respond to the dynamic changes across the Asia and Pacific region over the past 5 decades. This third volume from the series presents ADB's response to expert recommendations for a new role for ADB in the 1990s, and greater emphasis on effectiveness in the delivery of development assistance. The growth momentum within the region continued. Intraregional trade and investment grew rapidly as Asian economies drew increasing strength from within the region. Interest was growing both within and outside Asia to understand and assess policy recipes for rapid and sustained "miracle growth." The decade opened with recommendations from a panel of eminent development experts for a new role for ADB in the 1990s. Donor expectations evolved and placed greater emphasis on aid effectiveness of development assistance. In response, ADB strengthened internal procedures and gave greater attention to project quality. ADB moved to a new headquarters to centralize its operations. New members joined from Central Asia and some existing but nonactive members renewed their regular links with ADB. Lending picked up considerably while regional activities began to grow.