PH urges multilateral lenders to harmonize efforts for Asia

NADI, Fiji—The Philippines renewed its call for closer cooperation among multilateral lenders in their development initiatives by building on their respective strengths and activities.

“I reiterate that call for the ADB (Asian Development Bank) to harmonize its efforts and explore the many complementarities with other multilateral institutions such as the World Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) to achieve a more efficient and more effective delivery of services,” Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin E. Diokno said in a message during the business session of ADB’s 52nd Annual Meeting here late on Saturday.

“As we move deeper into the Asian Century, improved coordination will enable stronger performance among our emerging economies,” said Diokno, who also serves as the Philippines’ alternate governor for the Manila-based multilateral lender.

The Philippines also sought to expand knowledge generation and management for other facets of development including poverty reduction, gender, governance and institutions, climate change and environment, conflict and fragility, health and education, Diokno said. —BEN O. DE VERA