Opportunities at the Asian Development Bank
Over $5 Billion a Year of Projects
ADB: The Opportunity
For many American companies, Asian Development Bank (ADB) projects represent an attractive opportunity for business in Asia. ADB projects are especially appealing because they are fully financed and bid according to international competitive guidelines. In addition, participation in an ADB-funded project often leads to other related work in that country.The ADB currently finances over $5 billion a year of development projects in 31 developing Asian countries stretching from Central Asia in the West to the Pacific Islands in the East. Most of these are fully financed, public sector projects which are not as sensitive to the vagaries of financial markets. These projects offer excellent opportunities for suppliers of goods and services, contractors and consultants.
Sectors of focus include energy, transportation, environment, industry, telecommunications, water supply and sanitation, education, health, agriculture and urban development. Technical assistance is provided to governments for feasibility studies, institutional capacity building, financial reform, economic policy development and government reorganization.
Interested firms should incorporate the ADB into their marketing strategy for Asia, and plan to make regular visits to the Bank's headquarters in Manila as well as the national agencies executing the projects. These face-to-face meetings are essential for building the relationships needed to do business in Asia. Successful firms obtain project information as early as possible, and thoroughly brief the Bank and executing agency on their capabilities and relevant project experience.
U.S. Government Services
Numerous U.S. government resources are available to provide information on Asian Development Bank projects and to guide firms through the Bank's contracting process.The Office of Multilateral Development Bank Operations (MDBO) at the U.S. Department of Commerce in Washington, D.C. is the best source in the U.S. for general information on ADB activities and procurement guidelines. MDBO also has a good selection of current ADB publications.
The U.S. Commercial Liaison Office to the ADB in Manila can offer one-on-one business counseling and detailed information on ADB procurement opportunities. This office also assists in scheduling appointments with ADB officers, makes representations on behalf of U.S. companies, provides firms with ADB project papers, locates information materials and conducts training in ADB procedures.
The U.S. Commercial Service has officers and local staff at U.S. Embassies and Consulates throughout the Asia/Pacific Region who can assist U.S. firms in contacting the executing agencies in a particular country. The Commercial Service also has some 80 Export Assistance Centers throughout the U.S. that can assist firms which are beginning to pursue opportunities with ADB.
