Manila, Oct. 14 -- Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states called for stronger cooperation with the World Bank Group (WBG) to close infrastructure and financing gaps, advance climate adaptation, improve the business environment and create jobs.

The Philippines, through the Department of Finance (DOF), convened on Oct. 13 the first ASEAN Finance Ministers-World Bank Group (WBG) Dialogue with WBG President Ajay Banga on the sidelines of the 2026 Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Bangkok, Thailand, to advance shared priorities for resilient and sustainable growth.

In a statement Wednesday, the DOF said the inaugural dialogue brought together finance ministers and repre...