The Ministry of Finance (MOF) stated that the 59th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) was held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from May 3 to 6, 2026. Finance Minister Ms. Tsui-Yun Chuang, in her capacity as Governor, led a delegation to actively participate in key sessions of the Annual Meeting, engaged in bilateral meetings, and delivered a formal Statement.
According to the MOF, in her official Statement, Minister Chuang commended ADB President Kanda's reform direction, and expressed strong support for the ADB’s optimizing its procurement rules and enhance assistance for Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Minister Chuang also emphasized Taiwan’s deep commitment to promoting women’s participation and to driving digital transformation. Furthermore, she highlighted the importance of advancing Domestic Resource Mobilization (DRM) to strengthen the fiscal resilience and self-reliance of Developing Member Countries (DMCs), alongside optimizing their tax systems and administrations to achieve the vision of sustainable development.
In this year’s opening remarks, President Kanda emphasized that in the face of global challenges such as geopolitical conflicts and environmental stress, the Asian region must pursue deep connectivity and cross-border cooperation. He noted that the ADB will devote itself to enhancing regional economic resilience and inclusive growth through concrete strategies, including power grid integration, digital infrastructure, and the mobilization of private capital. In addition, the ADB is proactively implementing institutional reforms and environmental and social protection measures, striving to serve as a core anchor for regional stability and prosperity.
The MOF pointed out that Minister Chuang participated in the Annual Meeting as a Governor, highlighting our country’s emphasis on participation in international affairs. Beyond attending the Board of Governors' sessions and delivering her Statement, Minister Chuang also exchanged ideas with the senior officials of ADB and communicated with the representatives from other member countries. These interactions successfully deepened bilateral relations, expanded fiscal diplomacy, and paved the way for international business and cooperation opportunities for Taiwanese enterprises.
Regarding the unilateral alteration of Taiwan’s membership designation, the MOF further explained that Minister Chuang reaffirmed the government’s firm and ongoing protest, both at the Business Session of the Board of Governors and during her bilateral meeting with President Kanda. As a founding member of the ADB, Taiwan has faithfully fulfilled its obligations and responsibilities as a member. Taiwan calls upon the ADB and all its members to uphold the principle of mutual respect, ensuring that all members are treated fairly and equally and enjoy equal opportunities for participation in ADB activities.
Contact person: Deputy Director-General Kevin Pao
Contact Number: +886-2-2322-8000 ext. 8210