Asia

Asia is today home to more than half of humanity. The region is a demographic giant and an engine for the world economy. This growth leads to rising energy needs and increasing pressure on the natural environment and biodiversity. Asia is today the world’s main source of greenhouse gas emissions, which are responsible for climate change.

The region also faces unprecedented social challenges, related to its exponential urbanization and the poverty of its populations. There is, in addition, a considerable infrastructure deficit: 1.7 billion people do not have access to sanitation facilities and 680 million to electricity.

Proparco's action in Asia is in line with AFD's regional strategy. Its objective is to contribute to growth that respects the environment and regional balances. Proparco finances projects that help to:

• reduce the environmental footprint of Asian growth through the development of renewable energies (solar, wind, biomass, hydropower) and energy efficiency in buildings, transport, industry, etc.;
• support social cohesion and access for the poorest people in low- and lower-middle income countries to essential goods and services such as water, health, education and training;
• develop responsible microfinance, in particular through financial intermediaries to promote financial inclusion and self-employment;
• improve agro-industrial production in the least developed countries to promote their development in the face of the major emerging countries and increase their capacity to meet local food needs.