Guiding Principles/Objectives

Programmes

ADB recognises that information and communication technology (ICT) is a powerful force in shaping the social and economic development of Asia and Pacific, potentially helping developing countries leapfrog stages of economic development. ADB has adopted a strategic approach to assist its developing Member countries seize the opportunities created by ICT. This approach will support ICT-related activities in ADB's developing member countries to enhance the impact of ADB's poverty reduction strategy and other development activities.

Areas of Application:

► Create an enabling environment by fostering the development of innovative sector policies, the strengthening of public institutions, the development of ICT facilities, related infrastructure and networks.
► Build human resources to improve knowledge and skills and promote ICT literacy and lifelong learning through e-learning and awareness programs.
► Develop ICT applications and information content for ADB-supported activities, e.g., poverty reduction and good governance.

ICT Strategy, Toward E-Development in Asia and the Pacific: A Strategic Approach for Information and Communication Technology, http://www.adb.org/documents/policies/ict/default.asp

(An electronic copy is also available under the “Strategy papers and related documents” section). 

There is no ICT related loan activity for 2003. In, 2004, there will be 2 major loans, one for a fiber optic telecommunications backbone in Cambodia, Lao, and Vietnam (US$35 million) and one in India for development of e-Government/community information service projects (US$100 million).

For a summary of ADB ICT past and ongoing projects, see the “ADB ICT Projects” document under the “Strategy papers and related documents” section. This summary excludes the numerous Telecom projects funded by ADB over the past years.

Participation in Multi-donor Programmes:

► UNDP
► UNICT Task Force
► APT
► WSIS

Asia-Pacific

► US$10 million Japan Fund for ICT Grant Fund for Innovative ICT projects
► US$6 million 2003 Technical Assistance for ICT projects in Fiji, India, Lao, PRC, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and the Pacific.
(See also under the “Programmes” section)

information@adb.org