The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the World Bank Group are ramping up their presence in Tonga and the Pacific sub region by working together in a new joint office in Nuku’alofa.

The inauguration of the new office was held on 3 December and attended by Prime Minister Hon Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa and representatives of ADB and World Bank.

Hon Tu’i’onetoa said that ADB and World Bank financing had helped Tonga achieve real development results.

“The new shared field presence of the two institutions will allow us to collectively better respond to the development needs of the people of Tonga.”

Both institutions will be able to share resources to provide more effective support and responsiveness on the ground; maintain regular and close dialogue with government, civil society, project beneficiaries, and other stakeholders on development issues.

Asia Development Bank

The ADB’s Pacific Country Office in Tonga assists the government in implementing its development strategy.

ADB’s program focuses on investments in energy, information and communications technology, transport, and water and urban infrastructure that will reduce the costs of key services and improve overall productivity.

The ADB began working with Tonga in 1972 and has since committed $70.2 million in loans and $121.2 million in grants. Since 2008, the ADB has significantly scaled up its financial and technical support to Tonga, committing $87.7 million in grants and concessional loans and mobilizing $44.9 million in cofinancing.

ADB Deputy Director General for the Pacific Mr James Lynch said together, ADB and Tonga had made good progress in renewable energy, information and communications technology, policy-based budget support, and building resilience against climate change.

“Challenges remain as we continue to support broad-based economic growth and efficient access to basic services.”

World Bank

Since Tonga joined the World Bank in 1985, the World Bank has provided US$233.82 million in financing comprised of US$55 million in International Development Association credits and US$178.8 million in grants.

The World Bank has also significantly scaled up its financial and technical support to Tonga and currently supports seven active projects in Tonga representing US$129.17 million in commitments.

Manager of Operations for the World Bank in the Pacific Islands and Papua New Guinea, Ms Mona Sur said the World Bank has had a relationship with the Government of Tonga for over 30 years and our partnership sees us supporting Tonga in sectors including fisheries, transport, skills and education, digital development, resilience, and budget support.

“We are very pleased to be able to continue supporting transformational projects in Tonga and working with our development partners on joint projects, such as our communications and technology project, which was cofinanced with ADB and helped to significantly increase access and reduce costs of internet services across the country.”

The Head of ADB’s Tonga PCO is Senior Country Coordination Officer Mr Tatafu Moeaki while the Head of the World Bank’s Tonga Country Office is Liaison Officer Ms Natalia Latu.