The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is a multilateral regional development bank established in 1966 by 31 countries, including Italy, and is headquartered in Manila.
Currently, the ADB has 69 member countries that contribute to the bank’s funds to support the economic and social development of the Asia-Pacific region through loans, grants, guarantees, and technical assistance.
The ADB’s capital structure ensures high levels of security for investors and partners through effective governance and financial management, adhering to the highest international standards. Major credit rating agencies assign ADB the top rating of triple-A.
Backed by a solid balance sheet and supported by sovereign shareholders, the ADB offers greater payment guarantees for development projects than commercial banks or private entities. This reliability is further reinforced by transparent and accessible procurement procedures.
Italy’s Position in the Bank
Italy is a founding member of the ADB and holds 1.8% of the bank’s shares. To date, Italy has subscribed to a total capital of 2.57 billion dollars.
Italy is represented in the ADB Board of Governors by Fabio Panetta, Governor of the Bank of Italy, and Dr. Francesca Utili from the Ministry of Economy and Finance, as Vice Governor.
Italy currently holds the presidency of the Board of Governors as it will host the next ADB Annual Meeting in Milan from May 4–7, 2025.
Italy is part of a Constituency Office that includes France, Spain, Portugal, Switzerland, Belgium, and soon Israel.
In the Constituency Office, an Executive Director is appointed on a rotating basis every 3 years between Italy and France (the two countries with the largest shares in the Constituency). The Executive Director represents the interests and institutions of the aforementioned countries within the Bank’s Board of Directors.
The current Executive Director is French national Bertrand Furno.
Italian Companies/Entities in ADB Projects
Since its inception in 1966, Italian contractors, suppliers, and consultants have been awarded 670 contracts for goods, works, and services worth 1.51 billion dollars, as well as 397 consulting contracts valued at 248.09 million dollars. These figures make Italy the 25th largest country in terms of providing works, goods, and services to the ADB.