The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has launched a new country partnership strategy (CPS) for Fiji covering the period from 2024 to 2028, with a key emphasis on enhancing the nation’s resilience to economic and climate-related challenges.
Leah Gutierrez, the ADB Director General for the Pacific, stated that this strategic partnership will align ADB’s support with Fiji’s recently introduced National Development Plan for 2025-2029. She noted that the new CPS is designed to extend ADB’s ongoing efforts to strengthen public finances, develop quality infrastructure and services, and support a more sustainable and diversified private sector.
The strategy aims to enhance public sector management, improve accessibility to climate-resilient transportation infrastructure, and provide urban water and wastewater services that can withstand climatic impacts. Moreover, it will address critical areas such as coastal protection for at-risk communities, the modernization of national healthcare facilities, and the acceleration of Fiji’s transition to renewable energy sources.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, remarked that the strategy underscores the strong partnership between the Fijian government and the ADB, ensuring that future aid aligns with Fiji’s National Development Plan for the next five years. The initiative is set to bolster the country’s climate and disaster resilience through innovative financial strategies, enhancements to essential infrastructure, stronger climate policy reforms, and increased access to concessional climate finance.
Since 1970, the ADB has provided continuous support to Fiji, totaling 117 public sector loans, grants, and technical assistance that amount to $991 million.