Day: November 2, 2026

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved its first Strategic Business Outlook, projecting $104.5 billion in financing commitments from 2027 to 2029 and setting out reforms to improve how it prepares and delivers projects across Asia and the Pacific, Report informs referring to the ADB.

“Building on our previous planning approach, this new outlook brings strategy, operations, workforce, and financial planning together in a single framework to help ADB respond with greater agility and flexibility to our members” evolving needs,” said ADB President Masato Kanda. “Delivering this larger program requires a strong focus on the quality of our operations and greater efficiency in how we deliver.”

The new outlook helps the bank respond to growing demand amid economic uncertainty, rising disaster risks, and rapid technological change. It also introduces sensitivity testing of different economic and operating conditions to help ADB anticipate risks and adjust its plans.

Under its base-case projections, ADB expects $81.6 billion in commitments for sovereign operations, primarily supporting governments, and $22.8 billion for nonsovereign operations, primarily supporting private businesses.

To improve results, ADB will give greater priority to implementation readiness, portfolio performance, and early management of delivery risks by providing more support on the ground, particularly in countries with limited resources and capacity. It will also strengthen cooperation between public and private sector operations and seek to attract more private investment.

The outlook reinforces ADB”s focus on reducing poverty and supporting vulnerable communities, including those in fragile and conflict-affected situations and small island developing states. It also calls for greater support for food, water, and energy security, disaster preparedness, regional cooperation, and emerging industries such as critical minerals processing.

ADB will measure its performance through financing commitments alongside measurable development results. The bank will also pursue more efficient business processes, including greater use of digital technology, to support the expanded program.

The Strategic Business Outlook provides the overall direction for ADB”s operations through 2029. Future financing proposals and budget decisions will remain subject to separate consideration and approval.

ADB is a leading multilateral development bank supporting sustainable, inclusive, and resilient growth across Asia and the Pacific. Working with its members and partners to solve complex challenges together, ADB harnesses innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to transform lives, build quality infrastructure, and safeguard our planet. Founded in 1966, ADB is owned by 69 members – 50 from the region.

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is considering allocating a senior loan of up to 126 million manats (approximately 65 million euros) to the Veyseloglu Group of Companies, one of the biggest players in the food and fast-moving consumer goods retail market in Azerbaijan.

The total cost of the group’s large-scale investment program is about 373 million manats ($219.4 million), Report informs, citing the EBRD.

The funds allocated by the EBRD are part of a broader financial package being formed with the involvement of other credit institutions. As part of the project, resources will be directed towards expanding the company’s retail network and vehicle fleet, as well as constructing a new distribution center within the country.

The Project is expected to benefit from a first-loss risk cover provided by the European Union under the EFSD+ Guarantee Agreement “Municipal, Infrastructure and Industrial Resilience Guarantee Programme Plus.”

According to the EBRD, the project aims to facilitate the company’s long-term development, modernize the logistics infrastructure and retail sector, and eliminate existing constraints in supply chains.

The key environmental impact will be achieved by financing more sustainable food logistics, including the construction of a distribution center that meets the EDGE certification standard, and investments in energy-efficient solutions for new retail facilities. The inclusive component of the project involves updating the group’s HR policy, upskilling staff, and improving working conditions.

Currently, the project is at the preliminary review stage, and its official consideration by the EBRD Board of Directors is scheduled for December 2, 2026.

The Veyseloglu Group of Companies was established in 1994 and operates in distribution, retail, logistics, and production.