Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance of Fiji, Professor Biman Prasad, recently convened with Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Masato Kanda during the 2025 Annual Meetings in Milan, Italy. This significant meeting highlighted the importance of regional cooperation amid the challenges faced by Pacific nations.
During their discussions, DPM Prasad extended his congratulations to President Kanda on his recent appointment as the ADB’s 11th President and assured him of Fiji’s unwavering support. President Kanda acknowledged Fiji’s strategic position as a hub in the Pacific and addressed the pressing challenges of increasing natural disasters affecting the region.
The two leaders focused on enhancing partnerships to facilitate the delivery of critical infrastructure projects and leveraged Fiji’s potential to foster regional integration and provide regional public goods. This aligns with previous dialogues where Professor Prasad emphasized the need for collaboration among Pacific nations, especially in light of economic uncertainties and evolving global financial dynamics.
They both expressed concern about the current global economic conditions, including rising trade tensions and financial market volatility, which could further strain the development efforts of vulnerable Pacific nations.
Notably, this discussion comes after a series of engagements by DPM Prasad with international leaders, including talks about enhancing regional cooperation and improving resilience against climate-related challenges, reflecting a united effort to transform vulnerabilities into opportunities for sustainable growth.
The proactive discussions led by leaders like Professor Prasad offer hope for a more resilient future for Fiji and other Pacific nations, reinforcing the commitment to cooperation and supportive partnerships in addressing both current and future challenges.
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