The Asian Development Bank (Thirteenth Replenishment of the Asian Development Fund) Order 2025
The Asian Development Bank (Thirteenth Replenishment of the Asian Development Fund) Order 2025 authorizes a maximum £120 million UK contribution to the Asian Development Fund's thirteenth replenishment.
This payment is made in accordance with agreements between the UK government and the bank, as outlined in Resolution No. 427.
The order also allows for the redemption of non-interest-bearing notes issued by the Secretary of State related to this contribution.
The order received parliamentary approval and was made under the International Development Act 2002.
Arguments For
Intended Benefit: The contribution supports development projects in Asia, aligning with UK foreign policy goals and international development commitments.
Evidence Cited: The Order cites Resolution No. 427 of the Asian Development Bank's Board of Governors, authorizing the replenishment.
Implementation Methods: The payment is made according to agreements between the UK government and the Asian Development Bank.
Legal/Historical Basis: The Order is made under the International Development Act 2002, following parliamentary approval.
Arguments Against
Potential Impacts: While the contribution aids development, there are always risks associated with international aid projects, such as mismanagement or unintended consequences.
Implementation Challenges: Ensuring effective oversight of funds and accountability for their use can present challenges.
Alternative Approaches: Resources could potentially be allocated to other development priorities or domestic needs.
Unintended Effects: Improperly managed funds could result in negative ecological impacts or exacerbate existing social inequities.
The Secretary of State makes this Order in exercise of the powers conferred by section 11(4) of the International Development Act 2002 (“the Act”)1 for the purposes of approving a payment under section 11(3) of the Act. Section 11 of the Act provides that where the Government of the United Kingdom becomes bound to make a relevant payment2 to a multilateral development bank3 the Minister4 may make the relevant payment and other associated payments specified in section 11(3). Section 11(4) of the Act provides that section 11(3) applies to a payment only if it is approved by an order made by the Treasury, or by the Secretary of State with the approval of the Treasury. In accordance with section 11(5) of the Act, a draft of this Order has been laid before the House of Commons and approved by resolution of that House.
This introductory section explains the legal basis for the order.
The Secretary of State is authorized by section 11(4) of the International Development Act 2002 to approve payments to multilateral development banks.
This specific order approves a payment under section 11(3) of that Act.
The Treasury's approval is also required, and the order was reviewed and approved by the House of Commons.
This Order may be cited as the Asian Development Bank (Thirteenth Replenishment of the Asian Development Fund) Order 2025 and comes into force on the day after the day on which it is made.
This section provides the order's official title and states its effective date, which is the day after its creation.
In this Order— “the Bank” means the Asian Development Bank established by agreement dated 4th December 1965, as ratified by the Government on 26th September 19665; “the Fund” means the Asian Development Fund of the Bank established by Resolution No. 62 dated 28th April 1973 of the Board of Governors of the Bank; “the Government” means the Government of the United Kingdom; and “the Resolution” means Resolution No. 427 titled “Thirteenth Replenishment of the Asian Development Fund and Eighth Regularized Replenishment of the Technical Assistance Special Fund” of the Board of Governors of the Bank dated 1st October 20246.
This section defines key terms used throughout the order: 'the Bank' refers to the Asian Development Bank; 'the Fund' refers to the Asian Development Fund; 'the Government' refers to the UK government; and 'the Resolution' refers to the specific resolution authorizing the replenishment of the Fund.
The Minister may, on behalf of the Government, and in accordance with section 11 of the International Development Act 2002— (a) make a payment of a further contribution to the Fund not exceeding £120 million in accordance with arrangements made between the Government and the Bank in accordance with the Resolution; and (b) make payment of sums required to redeem any non-interest-bearing and non-negotiable notes or other obligations which may be issued or created by the Secretary of State and accepted by the Fund pursuant to arrangements mentioned in paragraph (a).
This section outlines the authorized payments.
The Minister can make a contribution to the Fund up to £120 million, following agreements with the Bank.
Additionally, payments can be made to redeem any notes or obligations issued by the Secretary of State as part of this contribution.
Chapman Minister of State Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office 3rd July 2025 We approve, Taiwo Owatemi Jeff Smith Two of the Lords Commissioners of His Majesty's Treasury 7th July 2025
This section shows the signatures of the Minister of State from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and two Lords Commissioners of the Treasury, signifying their approval of the order.
This Order approves the making of payments on behalf of the Government of the United Kingdom to the Asian Development Bank of sums not exceeding £120 million as a contribution to the thirteenth replenishment of the Asian Development Fund (the “Fund”). The payments approved by this Order will be made pursuant to Resolution No. 427 adopted by the Board of Governors of the Asian Development Bank on 1st October 2024. The Order also provides for the redemption of non-interest-bearing and non-negotiable notes issued by the Secretary of State pursuant to arrangements between the Government and the Bank. An impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as no, or no significant, impact on the private, public or voluntary sector is foreseen. The provisions of the Resolutions No. 62 (which established the Fund), No. 427 (which authorised the thirteenth replenishment of the Fund) and Command Paper 3762 may be obtained free of charge by application to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, King Charles St, London SW1A 2AH.
The explanatory note summarizes the order's purpose and key provisions.
It clarifies that the order authorizes a contribution not exceeding £120 million to the Asian Development Fund and includes a statement that no significant impact assessment was deemed necessary.
Contact information for obtaining relevant documents is also provided.