Results for World Bank

The World Bank is convinced that its Pacific Possible PP initiative will boost economic growth in the Pacific Island Countries PIC over the next 25 years.

The Tonga government has the ultimate power to withdraw Tonga from hosting the 2019 Pacific Game, Hon. ‘Akilisi Pohiva, Tonga’s PM told a Press Conference on Tuesday, 30 May at the Fa’onelua Convention Centre. “The Act is still there, but we don’t recognize that Act,” he said.

The World Bank’s Board of Executive directors on April 27 approved US$5 Million to support Tonga’s Second Inclusive Growth Development Policy Operation.

A national awareness campaign, 'Read with your Child' under a Pacific Early Age Readiness and Learning program (PEARL) was launched on 31 January, by Crown Princess Sinaitakala Tuku'aho, who encouraged families and parents to read to their children for 10 minutes daily because reading strengthens minds and opens up opportunities. Tonga, where 35% of children are not being read to at home, is the first country in the Pacific to benefit from this program.

A $35 million pa’anga Youth Employment Project financed by the World Bank to be handled by the Government of Tonga starting in July 2017, will see funds disbursed over four-years to address youth unemployment in Tonga where the problems of idle youth are enormous and related to youth related anti-social behaviour and criminal activity.

Ending extreme poverty is possible, says the World Bank after announcing its commitment for a poverty free world by 2030 as it observed the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty on 17 October. Victoria Kwakwa, World Bank Vice President for East Asia and Pacific, visited Fiji to mark the occasion

A Pacific Resilience Program, (PREP) which comprises of a number of projects aimed to strengthen Pacific Island countries resilience to natural disasters and climate change was launched today, 21 June in Fiji.

US$2 million in concessional financing approved by the World Bank on 16 March will support Tonga’s efforts to create "a more inclusive and resilient economy" through policy reform. It is to be funded with US$1 million credit and US$1 million grant, provided through the International Development Association, the World Bank's fund for poorest countries.

The completion of a USD$28 million upgrade of Tonga's two international airports at Fua’amotu and in Vava’u at the end of January, will encourage more international airlines to come to Tonga, with the first 777 aircraft expected in April and a new Vava'u-Fiji link to also start in April.