The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved 21.02 billion USD in financing operations last year, according to the institution’s 2013 Annual Report.

Of the financing total, 14.375 billion USD came from ADB’s ordinary capital resources and Special Funds, and 6.648 billion USD from co-financing partners.

With much of the region vulnerable to climate change and natural hazards, the theme of the report is environmentally sustainable growth. It highlights ADB’s work to develop sustainable infrastructure, manage critical ecosystems, respond to the effects of climate change, and support renewable electricity generation. In 2013, ADB’s clean energy investments reached 2.35 billion USD.

After an earthquake and then Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) struck the Philippines in late 2013, claiming more than 6,000 lives, ADB provided nearly 900 million USD in assistance for immediate recovery efforts and long-term work to rebuild infrastructure like schools and clinics, and restore sources of income in rural communities.

Other significant achievements in 2013 included investment of 2 billion USD for water sector projects, 644 million USD in education, approval of two electricity generation projects totaling 1.07 billion USD in Pakistan, and 575 million USD in support for economic and social reforms and debt relief in Myanmar.

In addition, ADB continued to boost its efficiency and effectiveness in 2013, introducing initiatives to improve business processes, cut waste, fight corruption, streamline procurement, strengthen staff skills, and enhance its presence in developing member countries.

The report was released ahead of ADB's 47th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors to be held 2–5 May in Astana, Kazakhstan.-VNA