"The Asia and Pacific region has tremendous potential to rapidly attain sustainable economic development and poverty reduction in the coming years," Kuroda told the bank's 2,000 staff in an address on his first day in office.

"As the region experiences dynamic and rapid change, the ADB -- as the 'family doctor' -- should respond to the region's needs in a flexible and timely manner," he said.

Kuroda, who was named to the post in November 2004, acknowledged that he was coming into office at a critical time when several countries in the region are still struggling with the effects of the recent tsunami.

"I can assure you that ADB will do everything it can for our affected developing member countries," he said.

For the region as a whole, the new president singled out poverty as the ADB's primary challenge.

Although poverty in developing Asia has declined from 34 percent in 1990 to 22 percent in 2002, most of this reduction has been in a few areas, most notably China and India.

"Sustainable poverty reduction requires that longstanding gender issues and the special needs of children receive the attention and support they deserve," he said.

Kuroda said foreign direct investment (FDI) is vital to economic growth and poverty reduction, adding the ADB is committed to helping build healthy business environments in the region.

Physical infrastructure is also critical for growth and institutions such as ADB play a vital role in the process by ensuring that environmental and social safeguards are maintained.

"Even if financing comes from the private sector, the role of the public sector is crucial," he said.

Another important aspect of economic growth in Asia will be the promotion of regional integration initiatives, which he described as "a special and unique mission of a regional development bank."