Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Masato Kanda met with Palau President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. Wednesday in the first-ever visit by a Palau head of state to the bank’s Manila headquarters. The visit comes as ADB scales up its support for small island developing states (SIDS), which Kanda emphasised are a strategic priority for ADB.
“Palau is a key partner and its commitment to reform is exemplary,” said Kanda. “This historic visit signals ADB’s readiness to match Palau’s national ambitions with strong, sustained support. We are committed to working closely with the government to deliver on its national priorities.”
Whipps’s visit coincides with ADB’s expansion of its North Pacific operations, which cover the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and Palau. ADB is bolstering the Pacific Department’s North Pacific Team and considering increasing its presence in the subregion to better reflect the unique needs of these countries.
Kanda commended Palau’s recent strong macroeconomic performance and congratulated the government on the completion of successful tax reforms. He also recognised the government’s efforts to consolidate public debt. He welcomed the government’s initiation of pension and social security reforms and affirmed ADB is ready to support the implementation of these reforms.
ADB has programmed about $94 million in concessional loan financing for Palau in 2026–2028, aligned with the 2023–2026 Palau Development Plan and the 2021–2030 National Infrastructure Investment Plan. Priority areas include energy transition, public sector reforms, public financial management, human capital development, housing, and public utility strengthening.
ADB is a leading multilateral development bank supporting inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth across Asia and the Pacific. Working with its members and partners to solve complex challenges together, ADB harnesses innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to transform lives, build quality infrastructure, and safeguard our planet. Founded in 1966, ADB is owned by 69 members—50 from the region.
