Countries and Regions

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p. 10 of 20 BACK | NEXT I. Country Performance Assessment II. Country Operational Strategy III. Sector Strategies A. Agriculture B. Infrastructure C. Social Infrastructure and Environment D. Governance Dimensions of ADB Operations E. Gender Dimensions of ADB Operations F. Private Sector Development IV. Regional Economic Cooperation V. Donor Activities and Aid Coordination VI. Cofinancing and Catalyzing External Resources VII. ADB’s Operational Program VIII. Economic and Sector Work Program IX. Local Cost Financing

Country Assistance Plans - Samoa : III. Sector Strategies

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B. Infrastructure

1. Energy

27. Progress has been made in the policy dialogue with the Government and the Electric Power Corporation (EPC) regarding financial management and commercial viability of the utility. The ADB’s ongoing support for further development in the energy sector includes assistance in designing an action plan for strengthening of the Electric Power Corporation’s (EPC) managerial and financial control capacity. The TA builds on recommendations of previous ADB TAs and other studies in the sector and aims at preparing a concrete action plan to implement measures designed to improve the overall efficiency of the Utility. Proposed financial assistance has been included in the program for Afulilo Power Augmentation which is becoming a priority for the Government. The project will reduce dependency on fossil fuel and improve the efficiency of the utility.

2. Finance

28. Under the ongoing Financial Sector Program Loan (FSPL), the ADB will continue to support the Government's efforts to promote the development of financial institutions. Building on institutional strengthening efforts of Government’s Financial Institutions carried out under the framework of the FSPL, a TA has been included in the program for 2001 to further enhance institutional capacity of DBS, NPF, Samoa Life Assurance Corp., and other Non-Bank Financing Institutions. The TA will also review the impact of financial liberalization and suggest further policy measures to develop the sector. The ADB will also continue to support deepening of financial sector through the proposed Small Business Development Project, which will include the following components (i) equity investment in venture capital fund; (ii) credit line; (iii) a pilot microfinance project; and (iv) capacity building in business advisory services.

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