The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is set to focus on providing support to enhance Fiji’s resilience against economic and climate-related challenges through its new country partnership strategy (CPS) for 2024-2028.
Leah Gutierrez, ADB’s Director General for the Pacific, stated that the partnership will align with Fiji’s recently unveiled National Development Plan for 2025-2029. The new strategy aims to build on existing ADB initiatives to strengthen public finances, improve infrastructure and services, and foster a greener, more diversified private sector.
Gutierrez highlighted that the CPS will prioritize aid for better public sector management, enhanced access to climate-resilient transportation infrastructure, and urban water and wastewater services. Furthermore, the strategy will address coastal protection for vulnerable communities, upgrade national healthcare facilities, and accelerate the transition to renewable energy in Fiji.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Professor Biman Prasad noted that the strategy embodies the close collaboration between the Fiji Government and ADB, ensuring that future support is in line with Fiji’s National Development Plan for 2025-2029. He added that the five-year strategy will aid Fiji in strengthening climate and disaster resilience through innovative financial solutions, critical infrastructure upgrades, climate policy reforms, and improved access to concessional climate finance.
Since 1970, the ADB has been a significant partner for Fiji, committing 117 public sector loans, grants, and technical assistance amounting to $991 million.