Norway Gives 60 Million NOK to Asian Development Bank Projects

Norway has agreed to contribute NOK60 million for 2007-2009 to two special funds set up under the Asan Development Bank, headquartered in Manila, Philippines. One trust fund finances water projects and the othert clean energy projects. Both with special attention to benefitting the poorest and most disadvantaged population groups in the region.
Most water and clean energy projects of ADB are financed in this way by funds to which several donors contribute. Norway is the second country besides Australia who have now decided to contribute to these multi-donor trust funds.
The Water Financing Partnership Facility was established in 2006 to provide ADB’s water financing program with resources to support demonstration projects and to support the quality of the program through knowledge, capacity and innovation services; engaging civil society; and regional cooperation.
The objective of the Clean Energy Financing Partnership Facility, which was launched in April 2007, is to improve energy security in ADB’s developing member countries through increased use of clean energy.
The multi-donor funds support grant components of investment projects and technical assistance.
“Contributions from bilateral, multilateral and individual sources, including companies and foundations will be accepted. They will be used for promoting clean energy and for funding projects in the water sector that will ensure stable water supply and sanitation, most especially for the poor and disadvantaged,” said Xianbin Yao, Acting Director General of ADB’s Regional and Sustainable Development Department.
The Norwegian government will allocate NOK10 million every year from 2007 to 2009 for each fund. The allocations are conditional upon the annual appropriation by the Parliament of Norway.
“We welcome this significant contribution, which will strengthen the support to water and energy sectors in the region,” said Werner Liepach, Principal Director of ADB’s Office of Cofinancing Operations.
All of ADB’s developing member countries are eligible for support for activities prioritized under the clean energy and water programs.
Activities funded by the multi-donor funds may be made available to central and local governments, government agencies and other entities, including government organizations.

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