World Bank President Ajay Banga has pledged robust support for Fiji, focusing on healthcare, climate resilience, and economic diversification to create jobs for young people.
“The World Bank is keen to work with Fiji on healthcare, climate resilience, and diversifying the economy.
“The goal is to create jobs for young people, keep them in the country, and harness their enthusiasm and passion to drive growth. This requires a dynamic private sector, and I’m meeting with private sector leaders today to explore how we can help them work with the government to do more,” Banga said.
Banga announced plans for a new tourism development scheme focused on sustainable tourism in partnership with the Fijian government and private sector.
“This initiative could benefit up to 60,000 people when fully implemented. We’re aiming to launch by September or October,” he said in Suva today.
Banga also addressed the region’s challenges with correspondent banking relationships, emphasising the World Bank’s commitment to ensuring these connections remain viable.
“The scale is small, and banks can’t always dedicate enough resources here. We’ve just approved resources to help subsidise and foster a healthier correspondent banking atmosphere in the Pacific. By pooling resources, we can enhance financial capabilities across the region.”
Highlighting the World Bank’s expanding role in Fiji, Banga said that investment and focus have grown eightfold in the last five years, driven by a commitment to local talent.
“Seventy-five percent of our staff in the Pacific Islands are local, and they’re essential because they know the community and circumstances better than anyone. It’s a blend of local knowledge and global execution that makes the World Bank’s partnership with Fiji and the broader Pacific effective,” he said.
Banga’s visit marks the third time a World Bank President has visited the Pacific, underscoring the growing importance of the region in the Bank’s global strategy.
He also had a talanoa session with Pacific leaders at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, aiming to strengthen ties and explore new avenues for collaboration.
