Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Masato Kanda met Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele in Honiara on Monday to discuss strengthening ADB’s long-standing support for the country’s economic development and expanding cooperation on public financial management reforms.
“ADB supports Solomon Islands’ vision for sustainable and inclusive economic growth, driven by a vibrant private sector,” said Mr. Kanda.
“We are committed to working with the government on transformative projects in critical sectors, including energy, infrastructure, and human capital development.”
Mr. Kanda and Mr. Manele discussed ADB’s current project portfolio of approximately $350 million, which is one of ADB’s largest in the Pacific region.
ADB investments include critical infrastructure such as the Tina River Hydropower Project, which is crucial for economic growth and affordable energy, as well as expanding renewable energy access to the provinces.
Mr. Kanda noted that ADB is prepared to support these priorities through increased assistance and flexible budget support.
In a major step for the partnership, Mr. Kanda officially opened a full resident mission in Solomon Islands, upgrading the status and size of the country office that ADB established in 2008.
The unveiling ceremony was held on Tuesday morning.
The move 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.
Mr. Kanda visited the ADB-financed Tina River Hydropower Project site to witness construction progress for the 15-megawatt hydropower plant.
Once complete, the plant is expected to deliver clean and reliable energy that provides around 70% of Honiara’s electricity needs.
ADB’s support to the multi-donor-financed project includes an $18 million loan from its concessional ordinary capital resources and a $12 million grant from its Asian Development Fund.
Mr. Kanda also visited the new Honiara campus of the University of the South Pacific, which was recently completed with ADB financing to expand and modernize facilities, provide new equipment, and introduce clean energy sources.
He met with students to learn firsthand how the improved campus is providing Solomon Islands youth with better access to quality education and training.
ADB is a leading multilateral development bank supporting inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth across Asia and the Pacific. Working with its members and partners to solve complex challenges together, ADB harnesses innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to transform lives, build quality infrastructure, and safeguard our planet. Founded in 1966, ADB is owned by 69 members—50 from the region.
– ADB Press
