ADB to Scale Up Reserves to Back More Loans

The Asian Development Bank intends to triple its capital base to USD165 billion in order to increase its loans for countries affected by the global economic slowdown,

reported. The regional lender  already presented the proposal to its 67 shareholders. "Obviously, we'd like to have as much as possible," ADB spokeswoman Ann Quon said, but she did not reveal the specific amount of capital increase requested by the bank. Japan is expected to provide USD671 million and a line of credit to boost ADB's capital.