ADB Forges New Partnership With Solomon Islands, Vanuatu

The Asian Development Bank will target priority infrastructure investments and private sector development initiatives in the

over the next three years. The regional lender is granting $26 million under a new interim country partnership strategy for the island nation to bolster its transport infrastructure network. "With the Interim CPS, ADB is responding through a sharply focused strategy and program, which seeks to promote private-sector led economic growth through improved transportation infrastructure and services and a more conducive environment for business," according to S. Hafeez Rahman, director general of ADB's Pacific department. The bank has also a new country partnership strategy with

from 2010 to 2014. Vanuatu may access some $32 million in lending support and a further $5 million in technical assistance under the new strategy, which will focus on improving sanitation and drainage facilities, transport infrastructure and private sector development.