The ADB President meet with the Minister of Finance and Treasury
The President of the Asia Development Bank, Mr. Masato Kanda, today started his first engagement with the Government, as he met the Minister of Finance and Treasury, Rexon Ramofafia.
President Masato informed the Minister that his visit to Honiara affirms the strong and growing partnership between the ADB and Solomon Islands. The President revealed today that ADB active investment in Solomon Islands reached over USD$350 million. It is the second highest portfolio by member country in the region, behind Papua New Guinea. This also proves or justifies the upgrade of Solomon Islands Office in Honiara to Residence Mission, according to the President. The resident Mission Office will Official open by the President and the Minister of Finance and Treasury.
The President also welcomed Government commitment that demonstrated in the areas of fiscal reform as well as on major tax reform that are currently on progressed under the Domestic Revenue Mobilization Project. The President also informed the Minister on ADB work to finalize Pacific Partnership called the “Pacific Approach”. It was summarized that the Pacific Approach focuses on climate resilient and financing, private sector as growth engine, streamline in delivery partnership and stronger in country presence.
Minister Rex on the other hand, welcomed the President, and acknowledged the growing partnership between the Government and the Bank in recent years. The Minister also highlighted key Government policy and investment priorities that includes the country’s preparation to celebrate the 50th National Independence celebration, in July, 2028. On this regard, Minister informed the President of the Government’s desire to ensure that all Provincial Centres are prepared for the historical celebration.
On the Pacific Approach, Minister Rex welcomed the Bank’s commitment. As the current Chairman of the Pacific Resilient Fund, a Regional initiative and Funds formally established by Forum Leaders during the 2025 Leaders Meeting in Honiara, Minister Rex requested the President to support the initiative.
The President also meet the Prime Minister today and other engagement with stakeholders. Key on the President’s agenda tomorrow will be the opening of the ADB Residence Mission Office, here in Honiara.
MOFT PRESS