The 59th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the Asian Development Bank has called for strengthening cross-border connectivity.

The 59th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) was held in Samarkand, the second largest city in Uzbekistan, on the 4th. ADB President Masatsugu Asakawa called for the Asia-Pacific region to work together and collaborate in development, strengthen cross-border connectivity, and promote inclusive growth. "Various shocks are rapidly spreading across borders through energy markets, supply chains, and digital networks," Asakawa said, stressing the need for transnational regional cooperative solutions to address these challenges. Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev stated in his opening remarks that Uzbekistan will participate in the ADB's "Asia-Pacific Digital Highway" initiative and proposed establishing a regional coordination center in Tashkent. The 59th Annual Meeting of the ADB's Board of Governors took place in Samarkand from May 3rd to 6th, with the theme "Crossroads of Progress: Advancing the Future of Regional Connectivity." Approximately 4,000 attendees, including member governors, private sector leaders, and development partners participated in the meeting.