Dhaka, May 3 -- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Sunday launched a new financing facility to help countries in Asia and the Pacific develop critical minerals supply chains needed for clean energy, batteries, electric vehicles, and digital technology.

"Critical minerals will shape the next industrial era," said ADB President Masato Kanda at ADB's 59th Annual Meeting.

"Asia and the Pacific should be more than a source of raw materials. The region should also capture the jobs, technology, and value these minerals provide," he said.

ADB approves $250m loan to strengthen Bangladesh's social protection system

The ADB President added, "This facility is about urgency and fairness: building responsible supply chains now, so our developing m...