August 31, 2021
Statement by Mr. Taro Aso, Minister of Finance, Japan
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) announced today that Mr. ASAKAWA Masatsugu, the incumbent President of the Bank, was unanimously re-elected for his second term. I would like to express sincere gratitude to member countries for their support to Mr. Asakawa.
During his presidency since January 2020, Mr. Asakawa has demonstrated his superb leadership in various efforts of the ADB, including swift and strong response to the COVID-19 pandemic, successful conclusion of the replenishment negotiation of the Asian Development Fund (ADF) 13, and promotion of international tax cooperation drawing on his abundant experience and excellent knowledge. I am convinced that his re-election is a testament to the high appreciation by member countries for these brilliant achievements.
The Asia-Pacific region is still in the midst of economic, social and health crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The region also faces a lot of development challenges including climate change and quality infrastructure investment. I strongly hope that the ADB, under Mr. Asakawa’s strong leadership, will continue to play a central role for Developing Member Countries to overcome the crisis as early as possible and to achieve inclusive, resilient and sustainable reconstruction and further development.