Fiji to host 52nd annual meeting of the Asian Development Bank in May

Fiji will host the 52nd annual meeting of the Asian Development Bank in May, next year and this will be a historic event as it will be the first time for a Pacific developing member country to host the ADB annual meeting.

This was highlighted by the Acting Prime Minister, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum while delivering his ministerial statement on the 51st Annual Meeting of the Asian Development Bank that was held earlier this month in Manilla, Philippines.

Sayed-Khaiyum stated that the theme for next year’s ADB annual meeting is ‘Prosperity through Unity’ and that it will be attended by at least 4000 people.

He highlighted that during the ADB annual meeting they had meetings with the European Investment Bank who are willing to fund some of the major infrastructure development projects that will be announced in the budget and he adds that they are looking at a national health insurance scheme.

The Acting Prime Minister says the opportunity that new technology presents creates productivity, prosperity and inclusive development but they are mindful to re-skill the people for them to be able to cope with the changing environment.

Sayed-Khaiyum says while technology can replace man power or human power it cannot replace the warmth of human touch which is very important for the tourism sector which is actually Fiji’s strength.

SODELPA MP Aseri Radrodro stated that a total of $22.9 billion of assistance was given to the region by the ADB including the co-financing of $9.2 billion.

He further questioned what is Fiji’s ranking as we became a member in 1970 and ADB has committed around $317 million in loans and $27 million in technical assistance.

Meanwhile NFP MP, Prem Singh stated that they do appreciate that these international platforms are beneficial for raising Fiji’s profile but what would be the cost to the taxpayers.