The 35th annual board meeting of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) will bring new energy to regional unity and cooperation in Asia, said Xiang Huaicheng, chairman of the board of governors, at the meeting's conclusion.

Xiang, Chinese Finance Minister, said that the meeting was the largest ever in ADB history and covered a broad range of issues.

Participants showed great confidence in the development of the macro-economy of the Asia-Pacific area and expressed strong support for strengthening ADB aid as well as sincere hope for improving regional cooperation, he said.

He believed the ADB played a significant role in accelerating regional economic development. However, since the number of poverty-stricken people in Asia still accounted for two thirds of the world population, wiping out poverty was a long-term mission, he noted.

The Chinese minister advocated that the ADB should intensify efforts in allocating funds to developing members and creating equal opportunities for developing countries in the era of economic globalization.

Xiang said that China always believed that improving regional economic cooperation and exploring the markets within and outside Asia would strengthen Asian countries' ability to defend outside economic risks and maintain the energy of Asian economic growth.

He said that China would continue to enlarge its domestic market demands, maintain its economic growth, and actively make efforts to promote regional economic cooperation.

Xiang also promised that China would, within its ability, provide favorable trade items and aid, especially technological and human resources support to its partners.

(Xinhua News Agency May 12, 2002)