President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Masato Kanda, has marked a “new beginning” with the official opening of ADB’s Resident Mission in Honiara on Tuesday.
“It is a privilege to welcome you to the opening of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Resident Mission in
Solomon Islands. We have had a country presence here since 2008 but today is a new beginning.”
Kanda said ADB has partnered with Solomon Islands for more than 50 years.
“For more than 50 years, ADB has partnered with Solomon Islands to achieve its development goals, bringing tangible benefits to the people. The opening of this Resident Mission reflects the strength of that partnership. More importantly, it signifies our long-term commitment to Solomon Islands.”
He said ADB’s portfolio in Solomon Islands has grown to US$362 million, one of the bank’s largest in the Pacific.
“This milestone comes at a time when our partnership is deepening. ADB’s portfolio in Solomon Islands has grown significantly, reaching $362 million—one of ADB’s largest in the Pacific region.”
Projects cover transport, energy, urban development, education and public financial management, including tax reforms. ADB also has nearly US$200 million in new investments planned.
“Our projects span transport, energy, urban development, education, and public financial management, including support for comprehensive tax reforms. And we are not slowing down. We have a strong pipeline of nearly US$200 million in new investments programmed over the coming years.”
Kanda said ADB has almost doubled its field-based positions across the Pacific in the past five years.
“Across the Pacific, we have almost doubled our field-based positions over the past five years. We are doing this because development does not happen from a distance. The Resident Mission moves our work closer to you. It puts ADB closer to the government and the people we serve. It puts ADB in a stronger position to help Solomon Islands move faster to improve connectivity, build quality infrastructure, strengthen human capital, and drive reforms.”
He said the Resident Mission will strengthen engagement with government and partners and support private sector development.
“Crucially, our Resident Mission will enhance dialogue with the Government, boost our responsiveness, and expand cooperation with other development partners. It will support ADB’s growing focus on private sector development in the Pacific, helping to create the conditions for businesses to thrive and create jobs.”
Kanda welcomed ADB Country Director Anthony Gill to his post.
“Allow me to welcome ADB’s Country Director, Anthony Gill, to his post. Tony will lead ADB operations in Solomon Islands and, with his team, will build on our 53-year strong partnership.”
He highlighted key projects including the Tina River Hydropower Project and the University of the South Pacific campus.
“We have a lot of work to do. But we are ready to hit the ground running. From securing clean energy at the Tina River Hydropower Project to empowering your youth at the University of the South Pacific campus, our goal is clear: to make life better for Solomon Islanders.”
“This Resident Mission is a tool to make that happen.”
“Let us all work together to build a Solomon Islands that is more connected, resilient, and prosperous—not just today, but for generations to come,” said Kanda.
