Asian Development Bank (ADB) president Masatsugu Asakawa says their flagship investments in climate-resilient transport infrastructure, including roads, bridges, ports and water supply and sanitation are set to continue.
He made this known in his meeting with Minister for Finance and ADB Governor Professor Biman Prasad at the weekend as they discussed Fiji’s development needs and emerging priorities for ADB assistance.
“At the same time, ADB will seek to expand support for communities vulnerable to rising sea levels through nature-based coastal protection and blue economy initiatives while continuing to advance gender equality and social protection,” Mr Asakawa was quoted saying in a Government statement.
He said in recognition of the importance of the private sector for sustainable growth, ADB will help advance State-owned enterprise reforms, encourage economic diversification and a business-friendly environment, and directly support private investments where necessary.
According to the Government, the ADB is preparing its country partnership strategy (CPS) for Fiji, 2024–2028 that will support Fiji’s efforts to invest in more climate-resilient infrastructure and make critical reforms to boost the efficiency and sustainability of public services.
Mr Asakawa is on a three-day visit to Fiji and he will meet Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism Viliame Gavoka, Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection Lynda Tabuya, and Minister for Public Works, Transport, and Meteorological Services Ro Filipe Tuisawau.
He will also lead a roundtable meeting with key partners in the Asian Development Fund (ADF).
ADB has committed 118 public sector loans, grants, and technical assistance totaling $989.2million to Fiji since 1970 when it joined as an ADB member. Cumulative loan and grant disbursements total $895.4 million.
