Dozens of protesters tried to demonstrate on Thursday outside a meeting being held by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Manila, arguing the organisation should be held accountable for its strategies in the region.

They were demanding the financial institution should cease what they call its anti-poor and anti-development strategies across Asia and the Pacific.

The protesters were held back however from reaching the venue for the opening of the 51st Annual meeting of the ADB board of governors.

At a news conference there, ADB president Takehiko Nakao spoke on China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) which links its economy to those of Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Europe through massive loans and investments, saying it was an example of regional cooperation.

Nakao also warned countries from borrowing too much money for development without looking at how they will repay any investments.