May 4 (Jiji Press)--Asian Development Bank President Masato Kanda on Sunday stressed the importance of addressing in a new approach rapidly growing uncertainties over the world economy attributed to factors including U.S "With the new uncertainties facing our developing member countries it is important to explore innovative solutions together," he said at a press conference at the Manila-based ADB's four-day annual meeting that started the same day in Milan former Japanese finance minister for international affairs which have promoted their development while reaping benefits from the free trade system The ADB is prepared to provide support to safeguard developing countries from external shocks New Delhi: Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Masato Kanda in his meeting with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has expressed the Bank’s full support to India’s development priorities guided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 FM Sitharaman also reiterated that India focuses on private sector-led economic growth and has been consistently creating a conducive policy and regulatory ecosystem The Finance Minister is leading an Indian delegation from the Department of Economic Affairs of the Ministry to attend the 58th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the ADB in Italy’s Milan from May 4 to 7 the ministry said that she met ADB President Kanda in Milan “The Union Finance Minister reiterated that India focuses on private sector-led economic growth and has been consistently creating a conducive policy and regulatory ecosystem through bold initiatives such as the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code Corporate Tax Rate Reduction and GST implementation GatiShakti National Master Plan and Startup India for greater Ease of Doing Business,” the Ministry said Sitharaman also emphasised that India offers opportunities for ADB to pilot new “Kanda expressed ADB‘s full support to India’s development priorities guided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047,” the ministry added On the sidelines of the ADB’s 58th annual meeting Sitharaman will also hold bilateral meetings with her counterparts from Italy in addition to meetings with the President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Governor of the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) The Finance Minister will also interact with the Indian diaspora in Milan and participating in a Plenary Session of the ‘NEXT Milan Forum’ at the Bocconi University on “Balancing Economic and Climate Resilience” we present our projects and business activities in each country and region to show how they contribute to local communities and the world as a whole View More Enriching+ is Sumitomo Corporation's official owned media bringing you the real thoughts of employees and the stories behind the projects the area around Terrace Square had seen redevelopment plans come and go unsuccessfully we aimed for a large-scale development combining four city blocks but there were too many landowners involved narrowed down the scope to two city blocks with fewer landowners and relaunched the project as a joint redevelopment effort with five companies which originally had its headquarters there HiramatsuOne of the major challenges was the need to abolish a public road that ran through the center of the planned site While there was a precedent for road abolition in statutory redevelopment projects in Chiyoda Ward there was no precedent for it in private sector projects our plan was to build an office building on the larger block and residential units on the smaller block the head of our department gave a new directive to combine the two blocks and build a single office building with a larger floor area This was unprecedented for Sumitomo Corporation and was not easy we focused on the idea of revitalizing Kanda Keisatsu-dori but it's a one-way thoroughfare with narrow sidewalks making it slightly difficult for pedestrians to navigate The ward mayor at the time was very keen on finding ways to revitalize the area After many rounds of discussion with Chiyoda Ward we proposed replacing the public road with a plaza along Kanda Keisatsu-dori We also incorporated the restoration of the historically significant former headquarters of Hakuhodo By logically demonstrating that abolishing the public road integrating the site and creating a green plaza along Kanda Keisatsu-dori would benefit people living and working in the area we were able to gain approval from the ward assembly our continued collaboration with local authorities played a significant role The acquisition of the site for KANDA SQUARE began with the relocation of Tokyo Denki University which had been in Kanda for over 100 years Sumitomo Corporation supported the university's search for a new location the Kanda Police Station needed to be relocated The ward was able to secure the site of the former public health center as a temporary location which helped speed up the development process By proceeding with the development and relocation in tandem we were also able to avoid the full impact of the COVID-19 pandemic there was a height restriction of 100 meters in the area we proposed ideas such as creating a public plaza to bring people together and enhance the building's sense of connectivity This created more space for the building's "footprint," and led to the height restriction being relaxed to 130 meters One of the most important factors for ward assembly members is the voice of the local community The opinions of neighborhood associations are particularly influential We regularly attended neighborhood association meetings and communicated our vision for the development sincere effort to build relationships helped us gain support for unprecedented initiatives such as the abolition of the public road and the relaxation of height restrictions The local community showed support to Sumitomo Corporation UenoThe local community values the culture and traditions in Kanda we needed to relocate the neighborhood association office that was originally on the site we proposed adding a storage space for their mikoshi (portable shrine) in the new office building next to KANDA SQUARE Kanda Matsuri is a deeply meaningful and special event for the local community but some neighborhood associations don’t have a place to store their portable shrines they don't have any other choice but to leave them at Kanda Myojin Shrine Proposing a location to house their portable shrine at their own association office went over very well HiramatsuWe also created a mikoshi storage space on the first floor of Terrace Square the plaza serves as a lively gathering place for many portable shrines UenoAnother key point was creating a space that would attract people on weekends The ward had asked for a location that could help create a more vibrant community we decided to include a hall in KANDA SQUARE which now hosts live performances and events UenoOne key decision was to attract a Summit supermarket to the first floor of KANDA SQUARE there hadn't been a supermarket in the area following the closure of the only previous one We realized the high demand for convenient supermarkets when working on previous residential developments After extensive discussions within the team as both the local residents and office workers have been very happy with the convenience it provides HiramatsuThe decision to attract the supermarket was a turning point in the project Ueno and the team decided that what the community really needed was a supermarket HiramatsuThe area previously had many small- to medium-sized buildings and large corporations rarely established offices here through these two large-scale developments I believe we have made the potential of Kanda more visible Leasing space at Terrace Square was quite a struggle It was a tough time in the market following the global financial crisis and at the time of completion only 200 tsubo (approx 660 square meters) out of 10,000 tsubo (approx I was both the project leader for the building's construction and the team leader for leasing but I was appointed to focus exclusively on leasing This was the moment when the seeds we had carefully planted – by consistently communicating the value of Terrace Square to potential tenants – finally came to fruition UenoKANDA SQUARE was on a different timetable and didn't face the same challenges I feel that the success of Terrace Square helped Kanda gain recognition as a great place to work KANDA SQUARE has now received inquiries from blue-chip companies that previously wouldn't have considered the area which used to be chosen mainly for its low rent is now being compared with properties in Minato and Shibuya wards HiramatsuKanda has great transportation access and the area is full of bookstores and restaurants making it an enjoyable place to walk around and explore we raised the potential of the Kanda Nishikicho office area I think we've successfully added value to the entire Kanda area HiramatsuWe are actively progressing with the development of medium-sized office buildings One of the key concepts we're focusing on is "vertical forests." We have already incorporated this into the completed KANDA SQUARE GATE where each floor has a balcony with thriving plant life verdant spaces that can be enjoyed both by people inside the office and pedestrians walking by We are planning several more similar buildings we aspire to continue collaborating with renowned design teams meaningful discussions and propose ideas that help us stay one step ahead of other developers we hope this will lead to benefits for all the communities we are active in that Sumitomo Corporation will also benefit in the process Crafting Specialist Paths at Sumitomo Corporation: A Career in Real Estate Focused on Building Communities WORLD BIZ+ ―Exploring the Reality of the Workplace Vol.1― A Day In the Life of a Young Employee Working in an Industrial Park in Bangladesh Sumitomo Corporation's "Second Birthplace" in Kanda – Public-Private Partnership for Urban Planning that's Fun to Explore Developing an Industrial Park in Bangladesh from the Ground Up – Sumitomo Corporation's 30+ Year Track Record Mobilizes Government Emi Terrace Tokorozawa opens at the west exit of Tokorozawa Station: A 10-year Urban Development Initiative of Seibu Group and Sumitomo Corporation Sumitomo Corporation Explores the Optimal Solution for Logistics Facilities Through SOSiLA Integrated Trading Company Sumitomo Corporation Engages With Communities North Hanoi sustainable city: international city concept to lead a new ASEAN era Our new graduate recruiters answer 10 frequently asked questions (Part 1) Bullet Trains and Rockets: Sumitomo Precision’s No.1 Products Powering Society Transforming Energy Storage Into Core Infrastructure: New Storage Battery Challenges for Sumitomo Corporation in Hokkaido SMAS（Sumitomo Mitsui Auto Service ） Makes it Happen Introducing EVs and Working Toward Decarbonization "Walking the Fields" Globally to Envision Agribusiness' Future: Cultivating Expertise and New Business This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page ADB is a leading multilateral development bank supporting inclusive and sustainable growth across Asia and the Pacific Working with its members and partners to solve complex challenges together ADB harnesses innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to transform lives ADB is owned by 69 members—50 from the region Masato Kanda is the President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Chairperson of ADB’s Board of Directors He was elected President by ADB’s Board of Governors and assumed office on 24 February 2025 President Masato Kanda urged CEOs of private sector companies to invest boldly in ventures that deliver measurable gains for people and the planet at the CEO Forum on 5 May in Milan The President highlighted that decisions made today will determine whether Asia and the Pacific leaps forward or falls behind Attendees at this by-invitation event engaged in discussions on how to unlock investment and co-create solutions to regional challenges President Masato Kanda met with Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during the Host Country Reception on 4 May in Milan The President expressed his appreciation for Italy’s exceptional efforts in organizing the meeting and highlighted the long-standing and robust partnership between Italy and the ADB built on shared values and a commitment to sustainable development The meeting underscored the importance of continued collaboration as Italy and ADB work together to address complex global challenges and drive inclusive growth across the region.  ADB President Masato Kanda held a series of high-level discussions in Washington headlined by a meeting with United States Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent that underscored ADB’s sharpened focus on private sector development ADB President Masato Kanda participated in the 12th ASEAN Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors' Meeting with international financial institutions on 10 April he affirmed ADB’s support for bolstering economic resilience amid escalating global trade tensions and stressed the importance of enhancing regional cooperation and connectivity Masato Kanda officially assumed office as the 11th President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) at the President's press conference at the 58th Annual Meeting Kanda served as Special Advisor to Japan’s Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Kanda has held key leadership roles at the Ministry of Finance of Japan including Vice-Minister of Finance for International Affairs He has extensive experience in financial sector policy and macro-fiscal policy having served as Deputy Commissioner at the Financial Services Agency Deputy Director-General of the Budget Bureau and Deputy Vice-Minister for Policy Planning and Coordination He is also a leading expert in education and science policy as well as university reform addressing key policy challenges such as multilateral development bank (MDB) evolution During his tenure as Vice-Minister of Finance for International Affairs Japan made a record contribution of more than $1 billion to the Asian Development Fund 13th replenishment (ADF 14) Kanda has served as Chair of the OECD Corporate Governance Committee overseeing the review of the G20/OECD Principles of Corporate Governance in 2023 He also has substantial experience in strategic discussions and decision-making at MDBs having served as Alternate Executive Director for Japan at the World Bank Kanda obtained his Bachelor of Laws from the University of Tokyo in 1987 and M.Phil in Economics from Oxford University in 1991 it is important to explore innovative solutions together," he said at a press conference at the ADB's four-day annual meeting that started the same day in Milan Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato and Bank of Japan Deputy Governor Ryozo Himino are taking part in the ADB meeting Participants are set to discuss issues including the role of multilateral development banks for improving the investment climate in developing countries in order to help spur private sector-led economic growth Kato said that Japan and the ADB will jointly set up a new trust fund aimed at helping mobilize private-sector funds and that Japan will contribute 20 million dollars to the fund China and South Korea held a meeting of their finance ministers and central bank chiefs on Sunday A meeting among the three East Asian countries and member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations also took place on the day Agenda items at the meetings included the impact of the U.S Italy is a member of the ADB along with other non-Asian countries such as Britain Your comment will be reviewed before being posted ChidaniSumitomo Corporation first entered the Tokyo market from Osaka in 1966 and Kanda was the location of our first office we have positioned Kanda as our "second birthplace" and have made it one of the key strategic areas for our office building business alongside the Kyobashi and Kojimachi areas we have actively developed along Kanda Keisatsu-dori which runs from Hitotsubashi in Chiyoda ward to Kanda Kajicho 1 office developer in the Kanda area," holding and managing over 40,000 tsubo (approximately 132,000 square meters) of large-scale office buildings (those with a standard floor of over 300 tsubo) far surpassing other companies in terms of real estate in the area we have developed large-scale office buildings such as Terrace Square (completed in 2015) and KANDA SQUARE (completed in 2020) and have also expanded PREX – our series of mid-sized office buildings We are also involved in renovation projects including the redevelopment of existing buildings like WORK VILLA MOTOSHIRO ChidaniKanda has a unique allure – large office buildings for major corporations sit side by side with small This area offers a diversity not found in other large-scale development zones young people from nearby universities and tourists companies focused on creating positive working environments have been moving here drawn by the area’s unique cultural atmosphere ShimadaThe Kanda area is also home to many shrines and temples including the famous Kanda Myojin and Yushima Seido I personally have fond memories of participating in the festival’s portable shrine procession shortly after I transferred The area is also full of delicious restaurants meaning that Kanda has great appeal not just for work ChidaniKanda’s proximity to other major business districts like Marunouchi Otemachi and the Imperial Palace is also a significant advantage The area has multiple JR and subway stations making it highly accessible real estate prices are relatively affordable I lived there for four years after moving to the Office Building Business Unit and found it to be an intriguing area with great untapped potential ChidaniWe are promoting "urban planning that's fun to explore" centered on Kanda Keisatsu-dori The challenge in this area is that although there are many unique neighborhoods nearby there isn't a distinct connection between them Chiyoda Ward has been working on revitalizing the area to give the community energy and one key initiative is the widening of the sidewalks along Kanda Keisatsu-dori and we hope to capitalize on this potential Sumitomo Corporation is aligning with the city's urban planning efforts and promoting development along the street With the completion of the sidewalk expansion in mind we are constantly reviewing the best development plans to attract more people to the area and create a lively cityscape for everyone in our involvement with the rebuilding project of the Gakushi-Kaikan ("Academy Hall") we plan to create a new flow of people by adding a passageway from Jimbocho Station to Kanda Keisatsu-dori projects like Terrace Square and KANDA SQUARE lie along Kanda Keisatsu-dori heading toward Kanda Station These developments include plazas and parks where events and markets are held on weekends Rather than just rows of lifeless office buildings we are intentionally creating open spaces where people want to hang out and relax By not simply building one office building we believe we are contributing to the community's vision of "urban planning that's fun to explore." we frequently receive inquiries from local brokers and community members go to Sumitomo Corporation first." We are often approached about land information and large-scale developments I believe this is because Sumitomo Corporation has been deeply rooted in the Kanda area for so long working diligently and maintaining a hands-on approach the Office Building Business Unit at Sumitomo Corporation is a relatively small team of around 30 people Many other real estate companies have separate departments for land acquisition and development we advance projects as a single cohesive team This enables everyone to understand the profitability of a project ensuring that it progresses with a clear view of its financial viability Many of our team members also have experience in residential development so even if a site is deemed unsuitable for an office building we can propose using it for residential purposes This flexibility in optimizing land use is one of our key strengths our expertise in development has multiplied and we’ve been fortunate to acquire even more business opportunities resulting in a steady increase in projects ChidaniThere’s a phrase that was entrusted to me by local residents: "If you’re going to develop please don’t make the area void of culture where everything shuts down on weekends." I hold those words very dearly we could easily continue generating office buildings that strictly function as offices but that would create an area without any foot traffic on weekends open spaces and public squares that can be used by both local residents and visitors we hope to foster communities promoting local culture a large-scale renovation of Sumitomo Corporation's former office building at the intersection of Kanda Keisatsu-dori is an example of a space that will serve as a community hub The first three floors of the building are occupied by Yasui Architects & Engineers the architectural firm that undertook this renovation we plan to collaborate with the firm to host engaging events for local residents 60-year-old building was a rare and challenging endeavor but it turned out to be a successful project Through the installation of high-efficiency air conditioning we were able to obtain ZEB Oriented Certification,* a standard for energy-efficient buildings With the trend toward reassessing and reusing older buildings it's important to have such a successful case study We plan to expand with similar renovation efforts in other parts of Tokyo in the future *The certification system targets buildings with a total area of 10,000 square meters or more that have taken measures to achieve further energy savings in addition to higher performance and more efficient energy-saving equipment ShimadaThere are several new development projects planned for the Kanda area and we want to continue creating properties that will make people want to visit the area We are creating spaces that will make Kanda a place people want to return to and their desire to preserve the area's culture is palpable including its festivals and the used bookstore district We want to create developments that reflect the local residents' wishes and contribute to the continued cultural legacy of Kanda Creating New Value in Kanda: How Terrace Square and KANDA SQUARE Are Shaping a Thriving Community Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience Tensions have risen between India and Pakistan following Pahalgam terror attack The government has said that preparators will face severe punishment Vatican: All mobile phone signals to be deactivated ahead of conclave to elect next Pope Human Development progress slows to 35-year low: UNDP "Need for talent abroad is a situation actually upon us today": EAM Jaishankar highlights the importance of Indian talent abroad India showcases 2000-year cultural legacy at UN Vesak Day Celebrations in Vietnam "Indian diaspora is seen as constructive positive contributor to respective economies where they are": FM Sitharaman in Milan "Not the time for military confrontation it can become counterproductive": Former Indian diplomat Manju Seth copyrights © aninews.in | All rights Reserved MILAN — The Asian Development Bank will discuss whether to end loans to China please disable the ad blocking feature and reload the page This website uses cookies to collect information about your visit for purposes such as showing you personalized ads and content By clicking “Accept all,” you will allow the use of these cookies Users accessing this site from EEA countries and UK are unable to view this site without your consent By Takashi Itoda / Yomiuri Shimbun Correspondent China holds a 6.4% stake in the ADB while also receiving loans from it Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in a meeting with Kanda in the United States urged the ADB chief to “take concrete steps toward putting China on a clear path to graduation from ADB borrowing.” Speaking in an interview with The Yomiuri Shimbun in Milan on Friday Kanda said the ADB “will discuss” ending loans to China as demanded by U.S The Trump administration appears to find it inappropriate for China which exists to support developing countries Stressing that “nothing has been decided yet,” Kanda expressed the view that a consensus among donor countries The interview was held ahead of the ADB’s annual meeting which is slated to take place in the Italian city from Sunday to Wednesday Our weekly ePaper presents the most noteworthy recent topics in an exciting © 2025 The Japan News - by The Yomiuri Shimbun Japan's former top currency diplomat Masato Kanda assumed office on Monday as president of the Asian Development Bank the Manila-based international lender said Kanda vowed to advance the "ADB's mission to promote sustainable and resilient growth" and "respond to pressing development challenges." He succeeded Masatsugu Asakawa another former senior official of Japan's Finance Ministry a leading shareholder in the ADB along with the United States has supplied the bank's chief since the institution was established in 1966 to eradicate extreme poverty and support development in the Asia-Pacific region Kanda will serve the remaining term of Asakawa until Nov During his tenure as vice finance minister for international affairs Kanda was behind massive market interventions by Japan aimed at stemming the yen's sharp decline against the U.S He left the post in July after serving for three years He also served as a special adviser to the Cabinet of then Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida Japan to watch Trump's impact on U.S. interest rate decisions Japan's ex-top currency diplomat Masato Kanda picked as next ADB chief To have the latest news and stories delivered to your inbox Simply enter your email address below and an email will be sent through which to complete your subscription Please check your inbox for a confirmation email Thank you for reaching out to us.We will get back to you as soon as possible MILAN (Italy): President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Masato Kanda has hoped that India and Pakistan would find peaceful solutions to their outstanding issues including the current nuclear faceoff following the Pehalgam terror attack in the Indian-occupied Kashmir in which 26 people were killed on April 22 India blames Pakistan-backed “outfits” for the attack Islamabad outright denies the charge and suggests that New Delhi should look inwards to find the real culprits Asked by The News during the ADB’s 58th annual meeting that opened in Milan on Sunday as to how concerned he was being the head of a multilateral financial institution with long-standing lending partnerships with both the South Asian nuclear-armed neighbours Kanda avoided direct comment on the India-Pakistan tension but added that he hoped that peace and regional stability returned to region as soon as possible “As an international development organisation we believe that peace and political stability are the foundations of sustainable development We hope for peaceful resolution in all regions as conflict ultimately harms the most vulnerable populations.” Kanda said the Bank continued to support peace and stability through economic cooperation and inclusive development The News also asked if the current leadership was addressing major global challenges like regional connectivity trade interdependence and globalisation in the face of rising nationalism and fragmentation “I share your concern about the global leadership environment institutions like ADB play a crucial role in fostering collaboration promoting multilateralism and ensuring that development remains inclusive Kanda delved into history a little to further elaborate his answer “This may be the first time we’ve seen such conditions since 1944 or 1945 The Asia-Pacific region has benefitted greatly from an open trade system and a relatively stable international order Our hope is to preserve and improve the international financial architecture for the benefit of all especially the poor and vulnerable countries.” who has held senior advisory positions with the Japanese prime minister and finance minister before assuming ADB’s presidency on February 23 said the Bank supported peace and economic stability throughout the Asia-Pacific region to ensure sustained development in areas like climate change regional connectivity and community development Listing the Bank’s priorities during the next five years the president promised substantial funding injection to food system components like agricultural development value chains and building infrastructure for food systems He said the ADB planned to add another $26 billion to Bank’s support its agriculture programme by 2030 to the current $14 billion pot in order to take it to $40 billion “This expanded support will help countries reduce hunger protect the environment and create opportunities for farmers and businessmen.” He hoped the increased investment would drive change across the food value chain from production and processing to distribution and consumption $18.5 billion will support government efforts and £7.5 billion will go to private sector we aim for private sector investments to account for over 27 percent of the total programme underscoring their essential role in food system transformation.” He said the financing injection into agricultural field would not impact Bank’s other core commitments and priorities To a question on the volatility of global trade and the impact on small and medium-sized economies of the Asia-Pacific region by President Trump’s tariffs imposition and President Xi’s tit-for-tat response the ADB president recommended caution due to the uncertainty attached to the action by the leaders of the largest economies of the world He also suggested diversification in finding new trading partners rather than banking of regional neighbours for bilateral trade Committee considers government Bill titled: “The Pakistan Telecommunication Bill Sajid Tareen advocate says further hearing of petitions was postponed for Tuesday on request of prosecution PTI will express aspirations of people at every forum Ministry states these losses extend beyond immediate casualties Sherry states Pakistan’s forceful responses played key role in exposing India’s disinformation campaigns they adopted upgraded version of software to counter such activities Copyright © 2025. The News International, All Rights Reserved | Contact Us | Authors Connecting decision makers to a dynamic network of information Bloomberg quickly and accurately delivers business and financial information “If the US raises tariffs, cuts taxes, restricts immigration, those policies could have a major impact on Japan and other Asian economies through trade and financial markets,” said Masato Kanda, former vice finance minister for international affairs, said in an interview with Bloomberg on Thursday. MANILA, PHILIPPINES (24 February 2025) —Masato Kanda officially assumed office as the 11th President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) today. “I am deeply honored to take on the role of ADB President at this important moment for our region,” Mr. Kanda said. “With the trust of our 69 members and strong support of our dedicated staff, I am committed to advancing ADB’s mission to promote sustainable, inclusive, and resilient growth. Together, we will respond to pressing development challenges, ensuring that ADB remains the partner of choice for the region.” Mr. Kanda succeeds Masatsugu Asakawa, continuing a legacy of excellence and innovation. With nearly four decades of experience in international finance and development policy, Mr. Kanda is widely recognized for his forward-thinking leadership and his decisive interventions during periods of market volatility.  During his tenure as Japan’s Vice-Minister of Finance for International Affairs, he was instrumental in pioneering innovative financial solutions and orchestrating policy actions that helped stabilize markets. “Masato Kanda brings a wealth of experience and a refreshing perspective to ADB. His proven track record in navigating complex financial challenges and fostering international cooperation makes him the ideal leader to guide us as we build upon our strengths and seize emerging opportunities,” said Chair of the ADB Board of Governors Fabio Panetta. “I am confident that under his leadership, ADB will deliver targeted and impactful solutions for our developing member countries.” “I am ready to harness the collective expertise within our organization and work closely with our partners to drive transformative change, especially for those most in need,” Mr. Kanda added, reflecting on his appointment. “Our focus will be on pragmatic actions that deliver real results, ensuring that our support creates lasting improvements in the lives of people throughout Asia and the Pacific.” Mr. Kanda’s appointment underscores ADB’s ongoing evolution and its commitment to meeting the dynamic needs of its developing member countries. As the bank embarks on a new phase of strategic growth, his leadership will build on ADB’s strong legacy while also positioning the institution to address future challenges and opportunities. The ADB Board of Governors’ decision to elect Mr. Kanda was unanimous, reflecting broad confidence in his ability to steer ADB during a time of significant change. His extensive background in managing complex economic policies and his hands-on experience in multilateral settings will be invaluable as ADB continues to adapt to a rapidly changing global landscape. ADB is a leading multilateral development bank supporting sustainable, inclusive, and resilient growth across Asia and the Pacific. Working with its members and partners to solve complex challenges together, ADB harnesses innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to transform lives, build quality infrastructure, and safeguard our planet. Founded in 1966, ADB is owned by 69 members—49 from the region. ADB is a leading multilateral development bank supporting inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth across Asia and the Pacific. Working with its members and partners to solve complex challenges together, ADB harnesses innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to transform lives, build quality infrastructure, and safeguard our planet. Founded in 1966, ADB is owned by 69 members—50 from the region. 6 ADB Avenue, Mandaluyong City 1550, Metro Manila, Philippines Notifications can be managed in browser preferences. Exclusive: The BBC Asian Network Breakfast presenter recalls the harrowing violence she encountered as she supports The Independent’s Brick by Brick campaign to build a safe refuge for survivors of domestic abuse I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice As a child, Nikita Kanda was locked away in a room, isolated, alone and fearing for her life at the hands of a violent abuser Behind her positive and bubbly exterior, entertaining the nation on BBC Asian Network Breakfast Show, Kanda, 28, still suffers flashbacks from the violence she experienced “I was locked away in a little room. As a child, you don’t understand what’s going on, but you know it’s not OK and you know that it’s not normal. I was very angry and confused,” Kanda tells The Independent The broadcaster spoke out for the first time about her experience in support of The Independent‘s Brick by Brick campaign, in partnership with Refuge it was announced that after hitting the initial target of £300,000 to build one safe home plans are underway for building a second home Be a brick, buy a brick and donate here or text BRICK to 70560 to donate £15 Kanda wants to use her experience and work with Refuge to speak more openly about domestic abuse in a bid to help more survivors, in particularly children. “The violence left me with a lot of issues,” she recalls. “I didn’t know who I was, what was right, what was wrong, and I remember just feeling really angry and then emotional and confused. “When you go through things like that, it mentally scars and traumatizes you. “I still get flashbacks now. Sometimes you think you are OK and then sometimes it just randomly pops back into your head.” Despite the horrific abuse she faced, Kanda took strength and determination and support from close family. “Going through something like that makes you a different person, but it makes you a stronger person. It makes you someone that is so resilient.” Kanda admits that when she looks back on her childhood, it feels surreal. “When we talk about it, it feels like we are talking about different people. We feel like it is not us and was that a movie scene we were watching? Sometimes you can’t quite believe what you’ve been through yourself.” Kanda hopes that telling her story will raise awareness and help those who are experiencing domestic abuse, have hope for the future. “You will get out the other end. I know that in that moment you feel like your life’s over and you can’t get out, but you will. However bad it seems right now, I promise you in five, 10, 20 years you’ll look back and be like ‘I went through that such a horrific time in my life, but I got through it’. “What we’re doing here with Refuge is really important. Just even by talking about it, it is helping someone to feel more comfortable, to come out and share their story, and hopefully it will save a woman’s life.” Please donate now to the Brick by Brick campaign, launched by The Independent and charity Refuge, to help raise £300,000 to build a safe space for women where they can escape domestic abuse, rebuild their lives and make new futures. If you or someone you know is affected by domestic abuse, you can contact Refuge’s national domestic abuse helpline for free, confidential support at 0808 2000 247. May 5 (ANI): India has demanded that the Asian Development Bank cut funding for Pakistan as New Delhi continues to extend its punitive moves against Islamabad in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, in a meeting with Asian Development Bank President Masato Kanda on Monday demanded that the bank cut its funds to Pakistan the demand for cutting the funding to Pakistan was one of the agenda of the meeting among various other issues.  Nirmala Sitharaman met with ADB President Masato Kanda during the 58th ADB Annual Meeting in Italian city of Milan India has sharply downgraded diplomatic ties with Pakistan after the April 22 terrorist attack on tourists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam leading to the death of 26 individuals and several other injured India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 which would over a period of time will severely reduce Pakistan's water supply.  sources told ANI that India will also approach FATF (Financial Action Task Force) to include Pakistan in the grey list.  the Finance Ministry said the Finance Minister reiterated that India focuses on private sector-led economic growth and has been consistently creating a conducive policy and regulatory ecosystem through bold initiatives such as the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code the finance minister emphasised that India offers opportunities for ADB to pilot new  Kanda expressed ADB‘s full support to India’s development priorities guided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047 Sitharaman is leading the Indian delegation of officials from the Department of Economic Affairs Ministry of Finance for the 58th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of Asian Development Bank (ADB) According to an official statement from the Ministry of Finance the meetings will be attended by official delegations of the Board of Governors of ADB official delegations of ADB members and international financial institutions The Union Finance Minister will participate in the Annual Meeting's focal events like the Governors' Business session Governor's Plenary Session and as a panelist in the ADB Governors' Seminar on "Cross-Border Collaboration for Future Resilience" Survey reveals optimistic growth and employment outlook for India's small business sector HarperCollins is delighted to announce the forthcoming publication of 'Stars Will Guide You Home' By Stuti Changle Worldone Unveils IndiaOne.AI at WAVES 2025 with Anteryami & More Baheti Recycling Industries PAT Rises 159% in H2 of FY 2025 AVG Logistics bags long-term contract from Indian Railways for operations of Leased Parcel Express Train Powered by UNISOC Miracle Gaming Engine for Seamless Gaming Experience 2024 at 5:39 AM EDTBookmarkSaveJapan’s former top currency official Masato Kanda is set to be tapped to lead the Asia Development Bank the Yomiuri newspaper reported Monday without citing a source The report comes as current ADB president Masatsugu Asakawa said in a statement he plans to step down on Feb Asakawa also served previously as the Finance Ministry’s top currency official The top position at the ADB has typically been taken by high-ranking Japanese bureaucrats including multiple former currency chiefs “His proven track record in navigating complex financial challenges and fostering international cooperation makes him the ideal leader to guide us as we build upon our strengths and seize emerging opportunities,” according to Fabio Panetta chair of the bank’s board of governors Exclusive: The BBC Asian Network Breakfast presenter wants to change the stigma associated with domestic abuse in her community as she supports The Independent’s Brick by Brick campaign to build a safe refuge for survivors British Asian women are living in fear at the hands of abusive partners in the home and too afraid to speak out because of the cultural challenges they still face Radio presenter and broadcaster Nikita Kanda says women across the UK continue to battle the stigma societal pressure and fear of dishonour that was prevalent in society decades ago The BBC One Show journalist says many women do not seek help for domestic abuse because they fear what their friends I feel like people want to push it under the rug and for it not to be spoken about,” she said enough is enough and we need to stamp it out.” The 28-year-old has chosen to speak about her own experience in support of The Independent‘s Brick by Brick campaign which is raising money to build safe homes for women Having smashed the original target of £300,000 and kickstarted the national conversation about domestic abuse the campaign is now raising money for a second property entertaining the nation on BBC Asian Network Breakfast Show Kanda said she still suffers flashbacks from the violence she experienced as a child “There is a big stigma about domestic abuse in the Asian community and I’ve experienced it myself,” the 2023 Strictly Come Dancing contestant explains “Women stay in violent homes because they are afraid of what other people in the community will think or say I’ve got friends that are going through domestic abuse and their mindset is still the same as 20 to 30 years ago.” Kanda’s friend was beaten so badly by a partner her ribs broke, while another woman the presenter knows was locked away in a room at the hands of her abuser these women feared what the community’s reaction would be if they spoke out She fears Asian women experiencing domestic abuse think it is normal because they have witnessed it growing up: “I need people to know that this is not what happens and that it should not be allowed.” Kanda's fears come as UK-based Freedom Charity set up to support female victims of abuse within the UK's South Asian community said the Covid-19 pandemic exposed a profound crisis within the community as many women were unwittingly confined with their abusers She explained how lockdown intensified existing tensions but also brought new cases of abuse to light as calls to Freedom Charity significantly increased Discussing the pandemic's long-term implications "The closure of schools and safe spaces meant that many young girls were subjected to oppressive environments This alarming situation led to a concerning number of unaccounted young women underlining the need for urgent intervention." Kanda now works closely with Refuge in a bid to help women in the Asian community “People will look at me and think that I’ve never gone through anything horrific but it has happened to me and I have a responsibility to use my platform to speak out about it,” she says you’re not alone and there are options available “I think a lot of people in the Asian community think that they have nowhere to go They might not have a lot of family here or they think they are in a financial situation they can’t leave and they have children they think children will only grow up happy if they are in a family unit of a mother and a father; they can’t see past that.” domestic abuse in the Asian community happens behind closed doors with women putting on a brave face when out in public do their duties and pretend that everything’s fine The abuser will appear to be the nicest person to everyone else while out in public but behind closed doors it’s a very different story.” Kanda is urging women in Asian communities to keep a close eye on their friends and family and look out for signs of domestic abuse: “They could tell you about something small that has happened You might think it’s a small thing they’re telling you but it might be because they’re only comfortable with telling you that small thing and there could be something larger going on “Listen to what they’re saying and believe them.” Kanda hopes by speaking up for women in the Asian community she can reach those who need help: “There is a light at the end of the tunnel Please donate now to the Brick by Brick campaign launched by The Independent and charity Refuge to help raise £300,000 to build a safe space for women where they can escape domestic abuse If you or someone you know is affected by domestic abuse you can contact Refuge’s national domestic abuse helpline for free Be a brick, buy a brick and donate here or text BRICK to 70560 to donate £15 I have seen domestic abuse covered up in my community all my life","description":"Exclusive: The BBC Asian Network Breakfast presenter wants to change the stigma associated with domestic abuse in her community as she supports The Independent’s Brick by Brick campaign to build a safe refuge for survivors Show all news, opinion, videos and press releases matching → former vice minister of finance for international affairs for the Japanese government has been appointed president of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) whose stepped down from his role on 23 February after five years at the helm He takes on the ADB presidency at a time of geopolitical volitility and a trade war that is set to have far reaching consequences for Asia’s developing economies Kanda has nearly four decades of experience in international finance and development policy the 60 year-old diplomat was behind market interventions by Japan aimed at stemming the yen’s sharp decline against the United States dollar and other major currencies he worked with other G20 finance chiefs to respond to the Covid-19 pandemic he held numerous senior positions in the department including director-general of the international bureau deputy vice-minister for policy planning and coordination He also served as a special adviser to the Cabinet of then Japanese prime minister Fumio Kishida Although most of his career has been with the ministry he has also worked for the World Bank and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) “I am deeply honoured to take on the role of ADB President at this important moment for our region,” Kanda said in a statement “With the trust of our 69 members and strong support of our dedicated staff I am committed to advancing ADB’s mission to promote sustainable we will respond to pressing development challenges ensuring that ADB remains the partner of choice for the region.” Japan has been a major shareholder in the ADB along with the US The Manila-based lender has supplied the bank’s chief since the institution was established in 1966 to eradicate extreme poverty and support development in the Asia Pacific region Today's print edition Home Delivery The Asian Development Bank’s incoming president indicated that U.S policy will be a key focus as he monitors its impact on the region with the looming return of Donald Trump to the White House those policies could have a major impact on Japan and other Asian economies through trade and financial markets,” said Masato Kanda former vice finance minister for international affairs said in an interview on Thursday.googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1499653692894-0'); }); Kanda is known for spearheading Japan’s currency policy in recent years and its first yen-buying intervention in decades He will start his role as ADB president in February In a time of both misinformation and too much information quality journalism is more crucial than ever.By subscribing Your subscription plan doesn't allow commenting. To learn more see our FAQ Sponsored contents planned and edited by JT Media Enterprise Division previously a Japanese vice finance minister is a candidate to serve as the next president of the Asian Development Bank TOKYO -- The Asian Development Bank will seek to "attract more private capital" and focus on "countries' fiscal strength to improve market functions" under his leadership a candidate to serve as the lender's next president Kanda, who was until recently Japan's top currency diplomat and was nicknamed "Mr Yen," emphasized the importance of the Asia-Pacific region as the "engine of the global economy," generating roughly 60% of its growth Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience This project introduces Tokyo through the lens of culinary figures and celebrities connected to the city and you might discover an entirely new side of Tokyo Hiroyuki Kanda was raised in a family that ran a Japanese restaurant in his home prefecture of Tokushima. He gained experience in France and Japan before opening Kanda in Moto-Azabu Kanda has continuously received Three MICHELIN Stars since the Michelin Guide Tokyo 2008 Hiroyuki Kanda was awarded the MICHELIN Mentor Award for his work and career as an exemplary chef He is also deeply invested in developing the next generation he has relocated to Tokyo’s Toranomon area where he continues his pursuit of even greater beauty I come here to enjoy authentic Cantonese cuisine but I always make sure to get the spring rolls I also recommend the spring onion-flavoured jellyfish and Shingen chicken served cold.’ An elegant Chinese restaurant not far from Azabu-Juban Station This restaurant offers private rooms of various sizes so it’s the perfect spot for celebrating an anniversary The flavours here are the closest to my own cooking The food has a gentle feel to it.’ A One MICHELIN Star Japanese in Kamiya-cho this chef’s distinctively gentle and tender flavours satisfy both the stomach and spirit ‘A gallery that features artworks from modern artists working today Dishes and hanging scrolls are on display here Chefs can’t help but be inspired by these works of art you also instantly imagine ingredients and cuisines that pair well with it.’ A gallery sharing works from modern artists of Japan—a land with excellent rice—with the world so call or email to make a reservation before visiting They also have another gallery location in Manhattan and Chinois in Ginza comes to mind whenever I feel like indulging so I go there after Kanda has closed for the night It’s a convenient restaurant for late-night drinks.’ Operating for a quarter century Chinois has been a consistent presence in Ginza The streets and shops of Ginza 6-Chome may change but the vastness of Chinois’ wine selection stays the same A restaurant sure to satisfy wine lovers today just as it has in the past ‘This is my favourite restaurant for shoyu ramen I like the soup with the fried spring onions in it I have wonderful memories eating in this restaurant We had a work meeting and then ate here afterwards Reflecting on that memory fills me with joy and a longing to revisit this restaurant.’ This ramen shop is a long-beloved local favourite in Ebisu The ‘Shantan’ in its name comes from the fragrant soup with the sweet flavour of fried spring onions The generously portioned lunch sets in the afternoon and the ramen and gyoza at night are both not to be missed Created by Hiroshi Sugimoto —the same architect who designed my restaurant Kanda—this observatory is a place for truly experiencing architecture Sugimoto guiding me as I walked around here when dealing with problems like the Covid-19 pandemic and relocating my restaurant.’ Leaving the buildings of the big city behind to immerse yourself in nature This place might be good for days like that too you can experience the beauty of Hiroshi Sugimoto’s architecture And perhaps you’ll experience a flash of inspiration or recall feelings from the past here Artwork by Hiroshi Sugimoto welcomes you at the main entrance to Kanda The interior features the brilliant beauty of stone and wood scattered throughout Wakana Kubo is a Digital Editor for the MICHELIN Guide Japan Her favourites are beautiful beaches in the spring and summer With the motto "Always take on challenges with positive vibes," she enjoys sharing Japan’s food culture and travel tips to the world From listening bars to neighbourhood restaurants explore all the top recommendations from Chishuru’s Adejoké Bakare One of the most prominent chefs serving Indian cuisine talks India and his New York these splurge-worthy hotels have the design and prestige to rival even that most historic of city landmarks The first hotel on this list is just 20 minutes from Florence From vineyards to infinity pools and farm-to-table restaurants every one of these 14 Tuscan classics is within two hours of the city The city of Wrocław within the Dolnośląskie Region is the fifth Polish destination to be featured in the Guide The full restaurant selection for The MICHELIN Guide Poland will be announced on Tuesday 10th June 2025 What the MICHELIN Guide Inspectors Saw in 2025 The Mexican capital takes center stage alongside the culinary world's top talents the best hotel rooftops are a go-to when you touch down From Texas Barbecue to Mexico City's cutting-edge dining these new MICHELIN Guide hot spots promise unforgettable vacations and world-class cuisine These are the best lake vacations for a summer break from Lake Tahoe in the US to Lake Como in Switzerland and the MICHELIN-recommended restaurants and bolt holes to bed down in when you visit The MICHELIN Guide Inspectors have already added hundreds of hotels to the MICHELIN selection in 2025 we’re highlighting a special list of 10 that thrive in the sunny season where do fashion’s biggest names retreat for a bite and a bed We imagine the post-Gala sanctuaries of the chicest attendees these iconic chefs mentor professional chefs who have an ego ​13 new restaurants receive their first MICHELIN Star ​Three new establishments are awarded the MICHELIN Green Star Non-members can add the privileges at checkout through our 30 day free trial By continuing I accept the Terms & Condition and Privacy Policy. I would like to receive Newsletter from MICHELIN Guide Save lists of your favorite restaurants & hotels Hiroyuki Kanda was raised in a family that ran a Japanese restaurant in his home prefecture of Tokushima. He gained experience in France and Japan before opening Kanda in Moto-Azabu Kanda has continuously received Three MICHELIN Stars since the Michelin Guide Tokyo 2008 he has relocated to Tokyo\u2019s Toranomon area where he continues his pursuit of even greater beauty \u2018A Chinese restaurant I like to visit I also recommend the spring onion-flavoured jellyfish and Shingen chicken served cold.\u2019 An elegant Chinese restaurant not far from Azabu-Juban Station so it\u2019s the perfect spot for celebrating an anniversary The food has a gentle feel to it.\u2019 A One MICHELIN Star Japanese in Kamiya-cho this chef\u2019s distinctively gentle and tender flavours satisfy both the stomach and spirit \u2018A gallery that features artworks from modern artists working today Chefs can\u2019t help but be inspired by these works of art you also instantly imagine ingredients and cuisines that pair well with it.\u2019 A gallery sharing works from modern artists of Japan\u2014a land with excellent rice\u2014with the world It\u2019s a convenient restaurant for late-night drinks.\u2019 Operating for a quarter century but the vastness of Chinois\u2019 wine selection stays the same \u2018This is my favourite restaurant for shoyu ramen Reflecting on that memory fills me with joy and a longing to revisit this restaurant.\u2019 This ramen shop is a long-beloved local favourite in Ebisu The \u2018Shantan\u2019 in its name comes from the fragrant soup with the sweet flavour of fried spring onions \u2018The Enoura Observatory is in Odawara Created by Hiroshi Sugimoto \u2014the same architect who designed my restaurant Kanda\u2014this observatory is a place for truly experiencing architecture Sugimoto guiding me as I walked around here when dealing with problems like the Covid-19 pandemic and relocating my restaurant.\u2019 Leaving the buildings of the big city behind to immerse yourself in nature you can experience the beauty of Hiroshi Sugimoto\u2019s architecture And perhaps you\u2019ll experience a flash of inspiration or recall feelings from the past here known for his heavy-handed intervention to combat sharp yen falls that earned him the nickname "Mr Yen," was chosen to become next president of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Kanda will be tasked to navigate the ADB through fresh challenges such as helping Asia reduce poverty and mitigate risks from climate change.googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1499653692894-0'); }); Now a special adviser to Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba "I'd like to do my best to tackle global problems such as those related to infrastructure poverty reduction and climate change," Kanda told reporters after the announcement another former top Japanese currency diplomat and will serve out the unexpired portion of Asakawa's term The outcome was widely expected as there were no other candidates vying for the post Multilateral development banks are under pressure to ramp up climate finance to low and middle income countries The ADB is no exception with Asia one of the most natural disaster-prone regions in the world Kanda will take the ADB's helm at a time when the U.S government under President-elect Donald Trump is expected to pull back from global efforts to fight climate change its top post has always been filled by someone from Japan which who stepped down in July after three years as Japan's vice finance minister for international affairs led massive bouts of yen-buying intervention in the currency market in 2022 and 2024 We use some essential cookies to make this website work We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK remember your settings and improve government services We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time Freedom of Information releases and corporate reports It’s horrifying to know that a beautiful child of yours – a good person a good human being – has been taken by something so cruel and for no reason Because they mistook him for somebody else Ronan went to play snooker with his friend It was the first time he’d gone out after finishing his GCSEs I was out of the house at a meditation class I didn’t know then that it was my own child so I rang him and asked him to go outside to find out what was happening He told me that Ronan had popped out for five minutes to go to his friend’s house We both agreed to phone Ronan to tell him to get home as soon as possible They’re saying it’s an Asian-Indian boy.”  The perpetrators had stabbed him in his abdomen 20 centimetres deep with a 20 inch Ninja sword they stabbed him again with a Ninja sword that went through his heart but he collapsed two doors away from his house I remember asking my friend to drive me quicker and I jumped out of the moving car Running towards the police taped area and begging the police officers to let me through Even though the paramedics tried to operate to save him my Ronan died on the very street he grew up we found out how the online sale of these threatening bladed articles played a massive role in my son’s murder we have been and will continue fighting for a ban on machetes There is no need for these deadly knives to be in our society In the wrong hands they are lethal weapons there have been clear failures in our system Ronan’s murder happened because a Ninja sword was bought using a parent’s credit card with no ID checks We also hear about the failures within the education system Now all these failures are being addressed so we can start correcting them But we need to understand that this needs to be dealt with from now on These are the people who are passionate about this issue and do want to make a difference so I can share my child’s story and can fight for him I feel like there are other people who don’t get heard What happened to Ronan should never have happened a mother approached me to tell me how Ronan stopped their child getting bullied – now that child remembers my child and was heartbroken to learn what had happened He was a beautiful person and he was too good for this world I apologise to him every morning for bringing him into this cruel world and not being able to protect him Ronan’s Law will be a strong move and bring Banning these weapons should be the basic start to combatting knife crime I have a tattoo on my arm of his heartbeat - the words underneath say: ‘Mom is proud of you Every child deserves to grow up safely and I wish my son had this opportunity I’m just a mother fighting for what’s right Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details Please select what you would like included for printing: Copy the text below and then paste that into your favorite email application This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors Yen' Kanda likely successorJapanese Finance Ministry veteran says it is time for new leadership Japan's former vice finance minister for international affairs is being nominated to take over the presidency of the Asian Development Bank early next year MANILA/TOKYO -- The Asian Development Bank announced on Monday that its president the former top financial diplomat under Fumio Kishida's government is taking the reins as president of the Asian Development Bank MANILA (Kyodo) -- Japan's former top currency diplomat Masato Kanda assumed office on Monday as president of the Asian Development Bank Kanda vowed to advance the "ADB's mission to promote sustainable inclusive and resilient growth" and "respond to pressing development challenges." He succeeded Masatsugu Asakawa another former senior official of Japan's Finance Ministry Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Masato Kanda at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing March 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang met with Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Masato Kanda on Monday in Beijing expressing willingness to further expand all-round cooperation between China and the ADB affected by geopolitical turbulence and rising protectionism the world economy has recovered slowly with increased instability and uncertainty Li called on Asian countries to strengthen solidarity and coordination and maintain the stability and smooth flow of industrial and supply chains all sides should strengthen macro policy coordination deepen exchanges and cooperation in science and technology innovation enhance the efficiency and resilience of the Asian economy and join hands to achieve common development Noting that the ADB is an important multilateral development institution in the Asia-Pacific region Li said China is ready to further expand all-round cooperation with the ADB better achieve mutual benefit and win-win results and provide more public goods for the region The premier said both sides should strengthen financial cooperation in such fields as environmental protection and deepen knowledge cooperation in such fields as the development of emerging industries China is ready to share its useful experience in poverty reduction and digital economy with other developing members in the Asia-Pacific to support them in better meeting challenges and achieving sustainable development Kanda said at a time when international trade is increasingly fragmented China is committed to further deepening reform and high-level opening-up which not only achieves steady growth of its own economy but also makes important contributions to economic growth in Asia and the world at large ADB attaches great importance to cooperation with China and is willing to take the 40th anniversary of cooperative ties as an opportunity to strengthen cooperation with China in knowledge innovation promote the development of the Asia-Pacific region and push the cooperative partnership between both sides to a higher level In a typical Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra concert, principal trombonist Megumi Kanda is in the back with the other brass players But in Tan Dun's "Three Muses in Video Game," the trombone is the hero who has been one of the MSO's bright lights since arriving in Milwaukee in 2002 The MSO will perform Tan's trombone concerto June 7-9 at the Bradley Symphony Center This powerhouse program also includes Orff's popular choral extravaganza "Carmina Burana." Tan Dun really understands how versatile the trombone is really captured what we're capable of," she said Doubling down on the trombone's versatility Kanda said "recording engineers always complain that we're really hard to record because we have such a wide range of expression." 'I don't care what the rest of the piece is Kanda said her husband, MSO French horn player Dietrich Hemann, walked in when she was first listening to it and asked Chinese Hollywood?" She found that an apt analogy: Tan won both an Oscar and a Grammy for his score for "Crouching Tiger The "Three Muses" of the title refer to three traditional Chinese musical instruments: the xiqin (a bowed string instrument that's a forerunner of the erhu) the bili (akin to an oboe) and the sheng (a mouth organ) The composer asks the trombonist to play sounds similar to these ancient instruments noting that Tan frequently calls for glissandi in the concerto she feels a personal cultural connection to the Chinese roots of Tan Dun's concerto "I always enjoyed studying Chinese poetry when I was in high school (in Japan)," she said Japanese poetry is like a bento box: "You look at the beauty of something small." She feels that Chinese poetry has a bigger-picture view on the back of a camel playing a Chinese instrument One of the movements of "Three Muses" is exactly like that A concerto is composed to show off the qualities of an instrument and the skill of the person who plays it So that means a concerto is deliberately difficult to perform "You know it's trouble when you see treble clef on trombone," she said "There are so many treble clef … sometimes you just forget that it's even a trombone (concerto) because it's like she has two trusted people she turns to for feedback For a fellow trombonist's feedback, she turns to her colleague, MSO assistant principal trombonist Kirk Ferguson. Kanda made news when she won the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra job (out of 76 contenders) in 2002: She was the only female principal trombonist in a major U.S She would have expected there would be more people like her by now She makes herself visible in the music world in the hope that it will encourage younger women and girls to take up the instrument "I think the happiest people are in the trombone section," she said Kanda is also doing something about the paucity of works featuring classical trombonists she'll be playing a new work she composed herself Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra will perform "Three Muses in Video Game," "Carmina Burana" and "Fate Conquers Now" June 7-9 at the Bradley Symphony Center, 212 W. Wisconsin Ave. For tickets, visit mso.org or call (414) 291-7605 The predominantly urban Sirsa assembly segment is one of the most watched seats as the election is set to witness a cut-throat competition for the second consecutive term Haryana Lokhit Party candidate Gopal Kanda with workers at his party office in Sirsa on Tuesday (Sanjeev Kumar / HT) This constituency has a blend of Punjabi Bagri and Rajasthani culture where two-time legislator and former minister Gopal Kanda of the Haryana Lokhit Party (HLP) and Gokul Setia of the Congress are engaged in neck-and-neck contest this is the only seat where the incumbent Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is not contesting and the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) has also not fielded its candidate as both are supporting HLP’s Kanda BJP’s Sirsa candidate Rohtash Jangra withdrew his nomination after sitting MLA Kanda said he would support the saffron party if it formed government in the state for a third time The INLD-Bahujan Samaj Party alliance has also announced support for the HLP and the INLD general secretary Abhay Chautala is canvassing for Kanda Kanda won the seat with a slender margin of 602 votes by defeating Gokul Setia It was a triangular contest then where the BJP polled more than 30,000 while the Congress could gather only 10,000 votes out of 1.42 lakh votes polled The 35-year-old Setia is again seen as a formidable candidate and he is banking heavily upon the political legacy of his late maternal grandfather Lachhman Das Arora who represented Sirsa five times and served as a Congress minister thrice is facing discontentment from the party old guards A moneybag politician having diverse business interests Kanda is known for his proximity with the Chautala family But on getting elected from his hometown twice since 2009 a politically shrewd Kanda hopped into the Congress and the BJP when both parties fell short of majority Kanda entered the electoral politics for the first time as an Independent when the INLD overruled his desire to be the party candidate He was elected after defeating INLD’s Padam Jain Congress heavyweight Bhupinder Singh Hooda seeking a second term but failing to touch the majority mark in 2009 Kanda agreed to extend support and Hooda inducted him into his cabinet Hooda allocated the portfolio of home affairs to Kanda But Kanda had to quit as home minister in August 2012 after he was booked on charges of abetment of suicide in the case of Geetika Sharma who worked in his aviation firm when the Manohar Lal Khattar-led BJP did not get majority Kanda quickly offered support to the saffron party to form a government for the second consecutive term Though the BJP maintained a safe distance from him because of his alleged involvement in the suicide case that made national headlines the party leadership inched towards the cash-rich popular face in Sirsa after Kanda was acquitted Surrounded by supporters at his crowded political office at Hisaria Bazar locality Kanda said on Sunday he is working for a Congress-free Haryana in which he has been supported by the INLD-BSP alliance He boasts of his family connection with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) “My father Murli Dhar Kanda was an advocate and he had contested from the Dabwali seat in 1952 on a Jan Sangh ticket Politics is my second way to work for the welfare of people as our entire family is also engaged in charitable activities for decades,” he added the BJP government has cleared ways for the auto market which would be the largest in Asia and a medical college is also coming up “Sirsa needs an agro-based industry and I will work to get a special scheme of incentives to invite entrepreneurs to invest in the constituency,” added Kanda Gokul Setia is heard pledging to demolish the political bastion of Kanda Political watchers say ahead of the 2019 polls Setia was expected to join the BJP but when the party announced another name for the Sirsa seat he contested as an Independent but lost to Kanda by a narrow margin Known as a close contact of Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee chief and the Ludhiana parliamentarian Amrinder Singh Raja Warring Setia finally jumped onto the Congress bandwagon At a well-attended election rally at Choburjia village Setia was welcomed by Congress supporters who weighed him against boondi ladoos Setia appealed for votes to block the support of the Kandas (Gopal and his younger brother Gobind) who have announced to support for the BJP Setia has a construction business in Chandigarh and its periphery and manages resorts in several Haryana districts Setia avoids mentioning INLD’s Abhay Chautala who has not fielded a candidate against Kanda “The INLD is supporting Kanda and it would have been better if they also had a candidate in the fray Sirsa needs an accessible leader like my maternal grandfather who also had a vision to develop the constituency The BJP government’s announcement of opening a medical college is stuck in files and local people has to go to Hisar or Bathinda for treatment There are several villages in the semi-arid region crying for better irrigation facilities but the government has not paid any attention to it,” he responded to queries