KAS invited high ranking politicians from India and leading economic experts from all over Asia who were interviewed by Thanong Khantong, Executive Editor of the Nation, Thailand. Both delegations were part of the vast program and discussed with ADB representatives on global economic and development affairs. The Government of Germany was hosting the meeting for the first time. Under the theme "Cooperating for Sustainability" the meeting connected over 3000 participants - including finance and development ministers, central bank governors, private sectors and civil society partners.

Please visit our youtube channel for more videos from the 49th Annual ADB Meeting

Interview with ADB - President Takehiko Nakao

Infrastructe investments by ADB will double in the years to come - Takehiko Nakao, President and Chair of the Board of Directors of the ADB gives insights into future focal points of ADB development efforts, such as renewable energy and the key aspect of knowledge.

Interview with Prof. Ligang Song

Prof. Ligang Song talks about the future of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). According to Prof. Song , the need for infrastructure development in Asia is enormous, which is why the AIIB and the ADB would complement each other very well.

Interview with Prof. Djisman S. Simandjuntak

Prof. Djisman S. Simandjuntak outlines the socio-economical and infrastructural challenges Indonesia is facing in the years to come, especially stressing the importance of strengthening small and medium-sized entrepreneurship.

Interview with Olzhas Khudaibergenov

Olzhas Khudaibergenov, Director of Astana's Macroeconomic Research Center elaborates on expected benefits for Kazakhstan within the Chinese "One Belt One Road" initiative. As a founding member, Kazakhstan sees it's vital share but demands more structure of the project and thus worries that OBOR would remain a vision.

Interview with Koji Sakuma

Khanong Khanthong, The Nation Thailand, interviewing Koji Sakuma, Chief Economist IIMA Japan, on the role of AIIB for Japan and expectations on China's "One Belt One Road" initiative.

Interview with David Arase

Thanong Khanthong, Executive Editor of the Nation, Thailand, interviews David Arase, Security Expert, on arc of hot spots in Asia. Arase describes the horizontal escalation potential and the corresponding China/US involvement.

Interview with Mohan Guruswamy

Mohan Guruswamy, Fellow at the Observer research Foundation and Chairman of the Center for Policy Alternatives talks on India's economic challenges, such as unemployment, financial risks and low investments. Guruswamy explains the links between economic slowdown in India and the globe.

Interview with M. M. Pallam Raju

India's former Defence Minister, Pallam Raju discusses the growth of ISIS and the imminent terrorist threats to India and the world. The "Look East" policy has been embedded in India's foreign policy but needs to be strengthened towards ASEAN - especially in the midst of the South China Sea quarrels. India still positions itself neutral in the conflict but seeks peace in the region.

Interview with Anirban Ganguly

Anirban Ganguly, Syama Prasad Mookerjee Research Foundation, India describes enormous environmental challenges nowadays in India. The pollution of the sacred river Ganges poses to be a flagship project for Indian Government. The restoration of the river drives the environmental policy changes suggested by local authorities. In the future, India is going to hold those responsible who are accountable for pollution.

Interview with Abishkek Matoria

While not being the most obvious topic for India, sports development in India is vital for its citizens. Linking public sports and private sectors would boost socio-economic development. Finance questions, banks' partnerships and visions on India's participation at the upcoming Olympic Games are core topics to this interview.

Interview with Arun Sood

Smart Cities in India is a leading Topic of this interview. Chandigarh's Mayor Shares his exciting visions on future cities being green, clean and connected and India's corresponding pilot projects.

Interview with Preety M. Bhandari

Preety M. Bhandari, Advisor and Head Climate Change Coordination and Disaster Risk at ADB, was interviewed during the 49th Annual Asian Development Bank Conference taking place in Frankfurt, Germany, and expresses her confidence on reaching the "well-below 2 degrees" climate goal agreed on in Paris this year.