The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to Fiji and the broader Pacific region, emphasizing that this area is characterized not by its geographical distance but by its resolute determination. ADB President Masato Kanda delivered this message at the inauguration of the Bank’s new Pacific Sub-Regional Office in Suva, highlighting the organization’s proactive approach to development.
Since its establishment in 1972, ADB has committed a staggering $1.3 billion to Fiji, with $679.5 million allocated since 2020 alone. Kanda remarked that the Bank is focused on “moving faster and thinking bigger,” with plans to nearly double its staff in the region over the next five years. This expansion aims to enhance dialogues with governments and to facilitate quicker delivery of results.
Kanda outlined the Bank’s primary goals: to strengthen connectivity, improve infrastructure, and eliminate barriers to private sector investment. This strategy aligns with Fiji’s ongoing efforts to boost its economic resilience.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka welcomed the new office, describing it as a renewed commitment and a strengthened partnership between Fiji and ADB. He underscored ADB’s role as a trusted development partner over the past five decades, emphasizing that its support has been instrumental in driving transformative investments across vital sectors of the Fijian economy.
Rabuka noted that the establishment of the sub-regional office is a significant milestone, enhancing cooperation and service delivery throughout the Pacific. The ADB’s expanded presence signals its intention to play an increasingly pivotal role in fostering a more resilient, sustainable, and prosperous Pacific region.
This initiative reflects a hopeful outlook for the future of development in the Pacific, as ADB positions itself to address pressing challenges and support economic growth across the islands.
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