Registration Opens For ADB’s 52nd Annual Meeting. Here
Registration is now open for the 52nd annual meeting of the Board of Governors of the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
Fiji is the first Pacific island country, to host the prestigious event on May 1st to 5th in Nadi.
With the theme of the 2019 Annual Meeting, “Prosperity Through Unity”.
An ADB press statement state that the meeting will see about 3, 000 participants, one of the largest gathering of the bank and a unique opportunity for ADB Governors to engage in focused discussion on development issues and challenges facing Asia and the Pacific.
ADB Secretary Eugenue Zhukov said ADB will showcase its continuous attempts to help build and shape a better future for Asia and the Pacific.
Mr Zhukov said discussions will be on sustainable tourism, the promotion of healthy oceans, climate change and disaster resilience, women’s entrepreneurship, as well as renewable energy and other key issues of the day.
ADB president, Takehiko Nakao while conducting his site visits around Denarau Island said he was impressed by the beautiful venues and high-quality facilities selected for the Annual Meeting.
“ADB’s Annual Meeting is an excellent opportunity to highlight the strength of the Fijian economy and progress across the wider Pacific region,” Mr Takehiko said.
“In the meeting, we will discuss the development of sustainable tourism and management of ocean health which are important issues not only for Fiji and other Pacific countries but also for many Asian countries.”
Mr Nakao commended Fiji’s impressive economic growth and prudent fiscal management.
“Fiji has achieved steady growth since 2010—longer than any period since it gained independence in 1970. Average annual growth during 2010–2018 is estimated at 3.1%.
“The government has exercised prudent macroeconomic management in recent years. This has attracted new investments and created an environment in which businesses can grow and generate more jobs,” said Mr. Nakao.”
“ADB will continue working closely with Fiji to support the country’s efforts to achieve sustained, inclusive, private sector-led growth that brings benefits to the entire population.”
Invited participants, including the should register online. Others interested in participating need to be accredited.
ADB’s contribution to Fiji
ADB has committed $593 million of assistance to Fiji since it joined the bank in 1970.
Since 2014, ADB has helped the Government mobilise large financing packages for investments, including concessional funds from development partners such as the Green Climate Fund.
Ongoing ADB projects include the $100 million Transport Infrastructure Investment Sector Project, the $42 million Fiji Urban Water Supply and Wastewater Management Investment Programme, the $15 million Sustained Private Sector-Led Growth Reform Programme, and the $50 million Emergency Assistance for Recovery from Tropical Cyclone Winston.
ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 67 members—48 from the region.
ADB expects to invest approximately $280 million in Fiji in 2019–2020.
Major planned projects include a loan to expand sewerage infrastructure in Suva and policy-based loans to improve the business environment and public sector management.
ADB has already started preparation of a Nadi River flood protection project, which is expected to be co-financed with the Japan International Cooperation Agency, or JICA.
The project will protect Nadi and surrounding areas—a vital hub for logistics and tourism in the region—from frequent flooding. ADB will also continue to mobilise co-financing from development partners, such as the European Investment Bank and the World Bank
Source: Asian Development Bank
Feedback: maraia.vula@fijisun.com.fj
