The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has formally opened its Resident Mission in Honiara for the first time after more than 50 years of working together.
The Minister of Finance and Treasury (MoFT), Hon. Rexon Ramofafia, together with the President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Masato Kanda officially signed the Host Country Agreement during a ceremony on Tuesday morning 17th February in Honiara.
President Kanda is currently in Honiara to officiate in the opening and also visit some of the ADB funded projects in Honiara.
The Office is located at the top floor of the Heritage Park Commercial Building in Honiara.
Opening up the Mission is part of upgrading the status and size of the country office that ADB had initially established in 2008.
This reflects ADB’s strong commitment to Solomon Islands, increasing the bank’s in-country presence and bringing it closer to the government and the people it serves.
In his remarks, Minister Ramofafia said the occasion marks a significant milestone in the long-standing partnership between the Solomon Islands Government and ADB, and it reflects a shared commitment to strengthening development cooperation for the benefit of Solomon Islanders.
Mr. Kanda said the milestone comes at a time when our partnership is deepening.
“ADB’s portfolio in Solomon Islands has grown significantly, reaching 362 million dollars-one of ADB’s largest in the Pacific region,” he said.
He added that the Resident Mission will enhance dialogue with the Government, boost ADB’s responsiveness, and expand cooperation with other development partners.
As part of his brief visit to Honiara, Mr. Kanda also visited the ADB’s financed Tina River Hydropower Project site to witness construction progress for the 15-megawatt hydropower plant.
He also visited the University of South Pacific (USP)-KG Campus, which was recently completed with ADB financing to expand and modernize facilities, provide new equipment, and introduce clean energy sources.
A new first Solomon Islands Country Director was also appointed. He is Anthony Gill.
During the event, ADB President also welcomed him to his post in Honiara.
Mr. Gill will lead ADB operations in the country and, with his team, will build on ADB’s 53-year strong partnership.
The ceremony was also witnessed by a number of ministers, permanent secretaries, government officials, ADB staff and other invited guests.
About ten staff have been recruited to oversee the operation of the Honiara Mission.
By AGNES MENANOPO
Solomon Star, Honiara
