Asian Development Bank (ADB)
762,535 followers
April 2, 2026
As conflict in the Middle East continues, we are stepping up to help mitigate the economic and financial impacts for the region. On 24 March, we announced a financial support package for our developing member countries covering fast-disbursing budget support and expanded trade and supply chain finance to secure the import of essential goods.
The package draws on two key instruments: the Countercyclical Support Facility, to help governments stabilize their economies and protect the most vulnerable, and the Trade and Supply Chain Finance Program, to keep critical goods moving. We are already in active discussions with affected governments and stand ready to scale up as needs evolve.
ECONOMIC ANALYSIS | Conflict in the Middle East
Prolonged Disruptions from Middle East Conflict Could Choke Growth and Spur Inflation in Asia and the Pacific
Our new research maps three scenarios for how the conflict could ripple through Asia and the Pacific. Under a prolonged disruption, the region could see growth fall by up to 1.3 percentage points and inflation rise by as much as 3.2 percentage points over 2026–2027.
The impacts would be felt unevenly: Southeast Asia and the Pacific face the sharpest growth setbacks, while South Asian economies are most exposed to inflationary pressure. Across all scenarios, the transmission channels are the same: higher energy prices, trade and supply chain disruptions, and tighter financial conditions.
Read the full brief on our website.
OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT | Partnerships
President Kanda Visits Sri Lanka and Lao PDR
ADB President Masato Kanda visited Sri Lanka and Lao PDR from 21 to 27 March. In Sri Lanka, the President spoke on macroeconomic stabilization and recovery from global supply shocks and disasters, while in the Lao PDR, he commemorated 60 years of partnership with the country and reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to long-term and sustainable growth.
EXPERT INSIGHTS | Conflict in the Middle East
How Oil Price Uncertainty, Not Just High Prices, Shapes Economic Decisions
In a new ADB blog, ADB Deputy Chief Economist Abdul Abiad and Irfan Qureshi make a case that markets may be underestimating a key risk driver: not how high oil prices go, but how unpredictable they become. Research shows that a major spike in oil price uncertainty can cut world industrial production by roughly 0.35 percentage points on top of the direct drag from higher prices.
With current uncertainty levels far exceeding historical benchmarks, the implications for Asia and the Pacific’s most exposed economies are significant. Central banks, finance ministries, and social protection systems all need to factor volatility into their response planning.
EVENTS | ADB Annual Meeting
Join Us for Our 59th Annual Meeting in Samarkand
The historic city of Samarkand, Uzbekistan sets the stage for the ADB Annual Meeting, taking place from 3 to 6 May and bringing together leaders and partners from across the region and beyond.
Under the theme “Crossroads of Progress: Advancing the Region’s Connected Future,” the event will explore how deeper connectivity can drive inclusive and sustainable development.
Visit our website to learn more.
MULTIMEDIA | Partnerships
ADB-Lao PDR: Partnership for Inclusive, Resilient and Sustainable Growth
Since the 1960s, we have worked with Lao PDR to support the country’s development—expanding food security, enhancing connectivity, strengthening access to public services, building skills, and unlocking private sector investment. This partnership is rooted in decades of trust, shared commitment, and a shared vision for a sustainable growth.
