Ireland

Ireland’s policy for international development, “A Better World,” outlines four key development priorities: gender equality, reducing humanitarian need, climate action, and strengthening governance. The policy focuses on reaching those who are furthest behind first and contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals. In addition, Ireland aims to channel its energies to interventions focusing on people, food, and protection. Ireland prioritizes Small Island Developing States, Viet Nam, Cambodia, and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic through a whole-of-government approach to development, which involves collaboration between the Department of Finance, the Department of Foreign Affairs, and other government departments.

Highlights of ADB–Ireland Engagement in 2023:

Nonsovereign Cofinancing. The Trade and Supply Chain Finance Program (TSCFP) supported over 110 transactions valued at $467.3 million with a bank operating in Ireland from inception to December 2023. During the same period, the TSCFP supported over 22 Irish exports and/or imports valued at $13.2 million. In 2023 alone, the TSCFP supported 38 transactions valued at $80 million with banks operating in Ireland and supported 2 Irish exports valued at $5.2 million. Exports and/or imports were mainly to or from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Georgia. Underlying goods involved mostly food and agriculture-related goods, industrial machinery and capital goods, as well as consumer goods.

Special Funds. Since becoming a member in 2006, Ireland has committed $130.1 million to ADB special funds. Of this, $118.3 million has gone to the Asian Development Fund (ADF). The ADF provides grants to ADB’s low-income, developing member countries to help reduce poverty and improve quality of life.