The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has unveiled a new country partnership strategy (CPS) for Fiji, aimed at enhancing the nation’s resilience to economic and climate-related challenges. This strategy will guide ADB’s support from 2024 to 2028, aligning with Fiji’s recently launched National Development Plan for 2025-2029.
Leah Gutierrez, ADB’s Director General for the Pacific, emphasized that this strategic partnership would tailor support to meet the goals of the National Development Plan. The new CPS will focus on strengthening public finances, developing quality infrastructure and services, and fostering a more sustainable and diversified private sector.
Gutierrez highlighted that the initiative will prioritize improvements in public sector management, enhance access to climate-resilient transport infrastructure, and upgrade urban water and wastewater services. Additionally, the strategy will address coastal protection for vulnerable communities, modernization of national healthcare facilities, and expediate Fiji’s shift towards renewable energy.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, stated that the strategy underscores the strong collaboration between the Fiji Government and ADB, ensuring that future support is in line with the National Development Plan. He noted that the five-year strategy is designed to fortify Fiji’s climate and disaster resilience through innovative financial solutions, essential infrastructure upgrades, climate policy reforms, and improved access to concessional climate finance.
Since 1970, ADB has been a longstanding partner to Fiji, committing a total of $991 million through 117 public sector loans, grants, and technical assistance packages.