MANILA – The Asian Development Bank (ADB) said it is ready to provide rapid financial and technical assistance to help developing member countries (DMCs) in Asia and the Pacific manage the fallout from the Middle East conflict.

ADB President Masato Kanda assured that the bank has sufficient resources to maintain existing operations while expanding emergency support, including fast-disbursing budget aid and trade and supply chain finance to secure imports of essential goods such as oil, food, and industrial inputs.

“This builds on our strong track record of supporting Asia and the Pacific through periods of global uncertainty,” Kanda said, highlighting the use of the bank’s Countercyclical Support Facility to stabilize economies and protect vulnerable populations.

The bank noted that disruptions to shipping routes have already increased costs and delayed deliveries, with potential ripple effects on fertilizers, petrochemicals, agriculture, and food production. Economies dependent on tourism and remittances, as well as those facing currency pressures and tighter capital flows, are particularly at risk.

ADB said it has begun discussions with the most affected DMCs and will continue collaborating with governments, development partners, and the private sector to coordinate responses and maintain economic stability.