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THE ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK

by Paul J. Norton

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is now open for business in Kazakhstan and
Kyrgyzstan, which are now members of the bank.  The ADB makes loans and
equity investments; provides technical assistance and grants; and offers consulting
and advice to member countries.   For U.S. companies exploring trade and
investment opportunities in Kazakhstan or Kyrgyzstan, an ADB-funded project or
technical assistance program could help develop valuable contacts and lead to
other commercial projects in the region. 

Most ADB financing takes the form of project loans to member country
governments for large, public sector infrastructure projects.  Projects are subject to
an extensive evaluation process to ensure its economic, technical, and financial
soundness, and that it meets the bank's own strategic objectives.  During this
process, the ADB compiles a short list of companies that have expressed an
interest in the project.  The ADB does not actively recruit companies to bid on a
project.  Therefore, it is imperative that U.S. firms provide the ADB with a
persuasive letter of interest, emphasizing their country and industry experience. 
Visits to the ADB or the in-country executing agency are also a good idea.  
Support for the Private Sector

The ADB also provides loans to and makes equity investments in private
companies for development-related projects.  Projects proposals must include
feasibility studies and other preliminary work completed in advance.  The ADB can
provide 25 percent of the project costs or up to $50 million in financing assistance,
whichever is less.  The minimum loan the ADB will provide is $5 million. 
Providing technical assistance is another important role for the ADB.  Technical
assistance projects help identify, design, and implement development projects;
promote technology, and foster regional cooperation by preparing regional studies
or organizing regional conferences.  While funds for technical assistance are small,
the results often lead to major projects and significant improvements in their
implementation.  

There are several ways U.S. companies can obtain information about ADB projects
and financing options.  Once a month, the ADB publishes ADB Business
Opportunities, which lists all project proposals under evaluation.  Subscriptions
cost $100 per year, and can be obtained through the ADB information office (see
below).  Commerce Business Daily also carries announcements of ADB
procurement tenders.  Project opportunities and other marketing information are
also available electronically through the Department of Commerce's Economic
Bulletin Board and the National Trade Data Bank.  For internet users, ADB project
opportunities can be accessed through the world wide web:
/www.asiandevbank.org>.  The ADB will be establishing a North American
Representative office in Washington, D.C. this year.  For additional information on
the ADB, or to receive a report on  How To Win An ADB Consulting Contract,  
contact the Department of Commerce's Multilateral Development Bank Counseling
Center, 14th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 1007, Washington, DC
20230, (202) 482-3399 (voice), (202) 273-0927 (fax), or the U.S. Liaison to the
Asian Development Bank, Commercial Service of the United States Department of
Commerce, U.S. Embassy Manila, +632-890-9364 (voice), +632-890-9713
(fax). For a subscription to ADB BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES, send inquiries to:
Subscriptions, Information Office, Asian Development Bank, P.O. Box 789, 0980
Manila, Philippines.

Paul Norton covers financial issues for BISNIS.
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