Honiara : 1 March 2017
Solomon Islands Prime Minister, the Hon Manasseh Sogavare, has welcomed the expanded field presence of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Solomon Islands.
He said the ADB’s expansion of its field presence marks the beginning of a much bigger engagement between the institution and the country.
The PM made the remarks in Honiara last week at the inauguration of ADB’s expanded mission in the country and celebration of the institutions 50th anniversary of existence.
The Prime Minister said the ADB has made a huge contribution to improving the economic status of many countries, including Solomon Islands and to Solomon Islands specifically, the ADB has been a very important development partner even before it attained nationhood in 1978.
“Since Solomon Islands joined ADB in 1973, the country has received over $275 Million US dollars in loans, grants, and technical assistance.
“With a widely dispersed population over many islands, the transport sector has been a key development priority for the Government and ADB in Solomon Islands. ADB initially focused on roads and related infrastructure, and more recently maritime transport.
“ADB supports the Government’s National Transport Plan, which calls for integrated planning, environmental and social sustainability, and an infrastructure base that is resilient to natural disasters and climate change.
“In addition to transport, ADB’s focus on energy, private sector development, public sector management, and urban development remains relevant in the context of Government priorities. In addition, ADB is providing financing for the University of South Pacific 4th Campus development in Honiara.”
The PM added that he is also pleased to note that the ADB country programme in Solomon Islands is closely coordinated with other development partners, including Australia, the European Union, New Zealand, the Japan International Cooperation Agency and World Bank.
Source: Solomon Islands Government Press Release.
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