The head of the Asian Development Bank, ADB, Haruhiko Kuroda has said that strong leadership and a commitment to good governance are essential if Asia is to lead the world to more balanced and equitable economic growth. Haruhiko Kuroda made these remarks today at the opening session of the bank's 44th annual meeting in Vietnam. Top financial officials from across Asia are in Hanoi for the meeting. Kuroda said many countries in developing Asia still rank poorly in terms of good governance and this must change in order to promote quality growth that empowers the poor and ensures the fairness of institutions. He said stronger South-South cooperation will enhance Asia's growth and contribute to global stability.