A five-year strategy to help 12 smallest Pacific Island countries, including Tonga, build resilience against economic shocks, deliver sustainable services, and promote inclusive and sustainable growth, was endorsed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

The Pacific Approach 2021–2025, acts as the country partnership strategy for the Cook Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, the Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu (PIC-12).

The larger economies of Fiji and Papua New Guinea have their own country partnership strategies which guide ADB operations.

ADB Director General for the Pacific, Leah Gutierrez said ADB’s work in the Pacific has evolved due to the massive changes brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic and this new Pacific Approach reflects those ongoing strategies while adopting a new and tailored approach to every element of our work in these countries.

“This new and tailored approach to our work is also motivated by the growing frequency and intensity of climate change and natural hazards in the region.”

ADB’s portfolio for the PIC-12 will grow to a projected $1.34 billion in 2021 from $568 million in 2015, to meet growing financing needs.

Under the strategy, new operational priorities include a new climate strategy for the region, a growing focus on gender equality, increased flexibilities in procurement and contracting, and a heightened focus on long-term capacity development for the public and private sectors across the region. This includes posting long-term experts in core sectors to ensure knowledge stays beyond a project’s lifecycle.

ADB will continue coordinating with the governments of Australia, Japan, and New Zealand, as well as the World Bank and other development partners.

The Pacific Approach, 2021–2025 was prepared in close consultation with Pacific governments, development partners, civil society, and the private sector.