ADB recognizes the vital role of the private sector in promoting inclusive growth and reducing poverty across the Asia and the Pacific region. However, absent or outdated legal and regulatory frameworks and knowledge and resource constraints are barriers to unlocking private investments to support sustainable economic development in ADB developing member countries.
Our Impact
ADB’s LPR Program has been assisting to establish or modernize laws fundamental to support private sector and PPP development, as well as to attract foreign direct investment and trade, including mobilizing private climate finance and investments. To ensure that laws are effectively implemented and enforced, ADB’s LPR Program also provides capacity building to key implementing parties and develops tailored knowledge resources.
Establishing an effective dispute resolution system through international commercial arbitration to attract FDI and international private climate finance
Supporting the accession to the New York Convention and implementing international arbitration laws based on UNCITRAL Model Law and international best practices
Supporting the establishment and operationalization of arbitration centers and drafting of institutional rules
Capacity building of judges, lawyers, and private sector and convene knowledge sharing conferences to assist client countries stay abreast of new developments
Strengthening Insolvency Systems in Asia and the Pacific
Modernizing insolvency laws to address current and emerging needs of businesses and reflect the economic context of each country
For example, updating insolvency laws to include corporate rescue and rehabilitation processes catering specifically to micro-small and medium-sized enterprises and UNCITRAL Model Law on Cross-Border Insolvency with the internationalization of commercial transactions
Enhancing PPP Legal and Regulatory Frameworks to Create Markets and Mobilize Financing
Assisting with drafting PPP laws and regulations
Developing bankable PPP structures and documentation
Capacity building of public sector agencies and government stakeholders
Strengthening Knowledge on International Investment Agreements and Regional Trade Agreements
Delivering capacity building to multiple stakeholders involved in the drafting, negotiation and implementation of investment treaties and free trade agreements and prevention and management of disputes
Advising on development of model bilateral investment treaties to align with sustainable development goals and overall investment regime
Producing knowledge resources such as checklists and handbooks for treaty negotiators
Advisory Services for Specialized Commercial Courts and Alternative Dispute Resolution Centers
Assisting with drafting enabling legislation and court procedures for domestic and international commercial courts
Supporting the establishment and operationalization of arbitration and mediation centers
Judicial Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing on Commercial Laws and Practices
Partnerships with over 30 Supreme Courts across Asia and the Pacific, as well as links to courts and experts around the globe
Developing targeted knowledge resources and promoting mutual exchange of best practices among judiciaries across Asia and the Pacific
ADB Hosts Strengthening Insolvency Systems in Asia and the Pacific Event
Effective Insolvency Systems:
Encourage foreign and domestic investment
Promote private sector development
Enable efficient resolution of commercial disputes
"These legislative and judicial reforms will enhance the ability of citizens to protect their rights and fundamental freedoms, as well as ensure true judicial independence. The Supreme Court stands ready to facilitate the incorporation of international best practices into Uzbekistan’s judicial system."
Mr. Farrukhkhon Malikov
Head of the International Cooperation Department of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Uzbekistan
On 25-29 August 2025, ADB's Law and Policy Reform Program, in partnership with the Uzbekistan Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade, convened government officials across multiple ministries mandated to drive policy change. They participated in an intensive workshop to familiarize themselves with the legal framework for FDI critical for the green economic transition, as well as its interaction with domestic policymaking to enable them to contribute more effectively to reform process and help mitigate dispute risk for the government.
On 18-19 February 2025, ADB’s Law and Policy Reform Program, in conjunction with the ADB Institute, UNCITRAL and Japan Ministry of Justice convened the Policy Dialogue on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and brought together policymakers, ADR institutions, private sector, lawyers, judges and academia to discuss the current landscape of ADR development in Asia and the Pacific.
On 13 May 2025, Fijian government ministries convened to review the draft carbon market regulations that will guide the country’s future engagements with the international carbon market. ADB legal experts helped organize the sessions and impressed upon the participants the importance of setting the boundaries of government oversight and improving intragovernmental coordination, key steps toward fostering investor confidence, and ensuring effective implementation.
Uzbekistan's Graduate School of Business and Entrepreneurship partnered, with ADB's support, hosted a two-day training program on alternative dispute resolution (ADR) for commercial disputes. The seminar equipped participants with practical tools for efficient and effective dispute resolution, focusing on arbitration, mediation, and online dispute resolution. By promoting ADR, the program aims to foster a conducive business environment and attract foreign direct investment to Uzbekistan.
The Post-Conference Booklet of the Strengthening Insolvency Systems in Asia Conference provides a comprehensive account of the proceedings of the event held on 15-16 December 2022 at the ADB Headquarters. It synthesizes the insights of insolvency law reform experts who explored ways to enhance restructuring and insolvency frameworks in Asia and the Pacific.
As the global population grows, smallholder farmers who produce about 30% of the world’s food will play a key role
in meeting rapidly increasing demand for more foods. ADB aims to bridge the smallholder finance gap by supporting the development and deployment of tailored legal toolkits.
To raise awareness and discuss the positive development impact of international arbitration reform in the South Pacific, the Government of Papua New Guinea, ADB, UNCITRAL Regional Centre for Asia and the Pacific and other partners hosted the Second South Pacific International Arbitration Conference.
