Asian Development Bank has announced a landmark commitment to mobilize $30 billion by 2030 to support the long-term development priorities of Association of Southeast Asian Nations member states and strengthen the region’s resilience against global economic uncertainty, climate change, and geopolitical challenges.

The announcement was made by Masato Kanda during the 48th ASEAN Summit held in Cebu, chaired by Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.. Mr. Kanda attended the summit as Guest of the Chair, reaffirming ADB’s role as ASEAN’s key development and financial partner.

Speaking at the summit, Mr. Kanda emphasized that ASEAN is entering a critical period where stronger regional cooperation and strategic investment are necessary to address growing external pressures and sustain long-term economic growth.

“ASEAN has clear priorities and strong ambitions, but the challenge now is delivery, especially as the region faces a period of compounding crises, from geopolitical uncertainty to economic shocks,” Mr. Kanda said. “As the region’s main bank, ADB is channeling financing, expertise, and a $30 billion pipeline of public and private sector investments to directly support ASEAN’s priorities and deliver lasting benefits for people across the region.”

According to ADB, the financial package will support five major flagship initiatives across Southeast Asia aimed at promoting regional connectivity, economic resilience, climate adaptation, and sustainable development.

The package includes $6 billion to strengthen ASEAN capital markets, improve financial systems, and expand investment opportunities for infrastructure and economic growth. By deepening regional capital markets, ASEAN countries are expected to increase economic stability and reduce vulnerability to global financial disruptions.

ADB will also allocate $5 billion to accelerate implementation of the ASEAN Power Grid initiative, which seeks to improve regional energy connectivity and electricity sharing among member states. The project forms part of ADB’s broader commitment of up to $10 billion through 2035 to support clean energy transition and sustainable regional power integration.

Additional investments will focus on advancing artificial intelligence readiness, digital transformation, blue economy initiatives, and marine ecosystem protection. ADB also plans to strengthen river resilience and climate adaptation programs to help ASEAN countries manage water resources, reduce disaster risks, and protect vulnerable communities affected by climate change.

Kao Kim Hourn welcomed ADB’s commitment and described it as a strong vote of confidence in ASEAN’s future and regional cooperation agenda.

“ASEAN welcomes ADB’s enhanced commitment to our region and its people. This landmark partnership, and ADB's pledge to mobilize $30 billion by 2030, sends a powerful signal of confidence in ASEAN's vision and its capacity to deliver,” he said. “Together, we can accelerate progress on our shared priorities — from energy connectivity and climate resilience to inclusive growth for all our peoples.”

During discussions with ASEAN leaders, Mr. Kanda also addressed global economic disruptions linked to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and their impact on supply chains, energy markets, and regional economic stability. In response, ADB announced that it is prepared to provide rapid financial support to countries facing fiscal pressure and has temporarily reactivated private sector financing for oil imports through its Trade and Supply Chain Finance Program.

Earlier, on May 7, Mr. Kanda participated in the Special BIMP-EAGA Summit, where he reaffirmed ADB’s support for the subregion’s Vision 2035 agenda, including economic corridors, food security initiatives, marine ecosystem conservation, and regional energy integration.

On the sidelines of the summit, Mr. Kanda held bilateral meetings with several ASEAN leaders and regional partners, including Hun Manet, Prime Minister of Cambodia, who is promoting economic modernization, regional integration, and sustainable development initiatives; Prabowo Subianto, President of Indonesia, focused on economic growth, infrastructure expansion, and strengthening Indonesia’s regional leadership; Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia, advocating economic reform, social inclusion, and sustainable regional cooperation; Lawrence Wong, Prime Minister of Singapore, emphasizing innovation, digital transformation, and economic resilience; and Xanana Gusmão, Prime Minister of Timor-Leste and veteran independence leader, committed to democratic governance and regional integration.

On May 11, 2026, the ADB Cambodia Facebook Page highlighted the meeting between Mr. Kanda and Prime Minister Hun Manet during the ASEAN Summit in Cebu. Following the meeting, Mr. Kanda shared a message on LinkedIn emphasizing Cambodia’s continued development progress and ADB’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with the country.

“Cambodia continues to make strong development progress. I had a highly productive meeting with Prime Minister Hun Manet to congratulate him on these achievements and thank him for the enduring partnership between Cambodia and the Asian Development Bank,” Mr. Kanda stated. “As we navigate compounding global crises, ADB stands ready to step up our support. We are committed to strengthening our cooperation to help Cambodia manage current challenges, advance its national priorities, and deliver real opportunities for its people.”