Pacific

ADB assistance supports public sector management, private sector development, and improvement in infrastructure facilities in compliance with ADB’s environmental safeguards. Preparation of the country partnership strategy for 2007–2009 began with an analysis of the economic conditions, development constraints, and opportunities.

A cyclone in 2005 led to broad acknowledgement of the need to climate-proof infrastructure. ADB’s Cyclone Emergency Assistance Project was implemented and helped avert a shock to the economy. In particular, it catalyzed significant grant funding to finance the overall reconstruction plan. With technical assistance from ADB, a master plan for environmentally sustainable infrastructure was completed in 2006. Technical assistance for the Legal and Institutional Strengthening of Environmental Management Project was completed. The technical assistance helped the Government develop an integrated system of regulations, bylaws, and laws that will provide the institutional mechanisms for implementing the Environment Act 2003. No loans or technical assistance projects were approved.

In April 2006, the Government, New Zealand’s International Aid and Development Agency (NZAID), and Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) invited ADB to participate as an observer in the 2007 High- Level Discussions between the Government and NZAID/AusAID. This sets the stage for possible joint programming beginning 2007.