SHANGHAI, May 9 (Xinhuanet) -- The Asian Development Bank (ADB)
and the International Labour Organization (ILO) formally agreed
here Thursday to strengthen cooperation to maximize the use of
scarce resources and their development impact.
   A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed by Myoung-Ho
Shin, ADB Vice-President and Yasuyuki Nodera, Regional Director of
ILO Asia-Pacific Region on the eve of ADB's 35th Annual Meeting of
Board of Governors.
   ADB and ILO will collaborate in such areas as the exchange of
documentation, studies, research and best practices to promote
cooperation and complementarity in operations.
   ILO and ADB will hold a senior consultation meeting at least
once a year on issues of strategic importance to review regularly
the implementation of their programs. In addition, staff will
maintain regular consultations on activities of common interest.
   Since 1999, interaction between ADB and the ILO has intensified
in four main areas: strategic consultations in preparing ADB's
Social Protection Strategy; regional technical assistance on
improving the role of labor standards in selected developing
member countries; training on emerging issues in social protection
and social safety nets; and project technical assistance and
lending activities.   Enditem