Vanuatu and ADB
In the Spotlight
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Pacific Energy Update 2017: Vanuatu
The Vanuatu Energy Access Project will increase electrification rates on the country’s two largest islands (Malekula and Espiritu Santo), and add renewable power generation capacity on Malekula.
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Pacific Growth to Pick Up in 2017 — ADB Report
Pacific economies face gradually improving growth prospects in the next 12 months on the back of stronger economic fundamentals, says a new ADB report.
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Pacific Urban Update 2016: Vanuatu
The Port Vila Urban Development Project in Vanuatu is improving drainage, roads, and sanitation systems in and around Port Vila.
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Vanuatu: Country Operations Business Plan, 2017-2019
The Vanuatu country operations business plan (COBP) 2017–2019 is aligned with the strategic priorities of the Pacific Approach, 2016–2020; the Midterm Review of Strategy 2020; and the government’s Priorities and Action Agenda, 2006–2015, along with Vanuatu’s infrastructure strategic investment plan and national energy road map.
Overview
Vanuatu has posted strong economic performance in recent years, driven primarily by tourism, construction, and aid inflows from development partners. However, key constraints to implementing assistance programs persist. These include the country’s remoteness, small market size, underdeveloped institutions, and limited absorptive capacity. The rural economy is primarily agrarian, with largely subsistence farming, aside from some copra, beef, cocoa, and kava produced for export.
The country operations business plan (COBP), 2017-2019 for Vanuatu is aligned with the government’s Priorities and Action Agenda, 2006-2015, infrastructure strategic investment plan, and national energy road map. ADB operations support energy, transport, water and other urban infrastructure and services, and public sector management.
Latest
Boosting Connectivity Will Strengthen Services, Lift Growth in Pacific — ADB
Enhanced connectivity through ICTs and transport infrastructure development are some of the efforts needed to increase economic opportunities, among others, says the latest issue of ADB's Pacific Economic Monitor.
To help overcome remoteness, Pacific economies are looking to improve economic integration not only through ICT and transport network investments, but also by promoting greater competition and private investment.
Pacific Economic Monitor - July 2017
New ADB Director General for Pacific Assumes Office
ADB has appointed Ma. Carmela Locsin as the new Director General for its Pacific Department. Ms. Locsin, who assumed office today, is the first woman to head the department.
Projects in Vanuatu
Proposed
No projects in this category were found.
Approved/Active
- Port Vila Urban Development Project (additional financing)
- Supporting the Vanuatu Project Management Unit and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Public Utilities
- Cyclone Pam Road Reconstruction Project
- Cyclone Pam School Reconstruction Project
- Supporting the Preparation of the National Sustainable Development Plan
Funding Information
Fast Facts
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12.7%
Population living below the national poverty line in Vanuatu (2010)
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78
Maternal mortality ratio in Vanuatu, per 100,000 live births (2015)
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2.4%
Average annual population growth rate in Vanuatu (2011-2016)
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0.28
Population in Vanuatu, in millions (2016)