PORT MORESBY — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) reaffirmed its strong, long-term partnership with the Government of Papua New Guinea (PNG) during the wrap-up meeting of ADB’s Country Programming Mission.
At the meeting co-chaired by ADB Country Director for PNG Said Zaidansyah, Department of National Planning and Monitoring Secretary Koney Samuel, and Department of Treasury Secretary Andrew Oaeke, ADB and the Government of PNG discussed the strategic priorities for the bank’s support for the country.
“As the biggest multilateral development partner of PNG, ADB will continue to support diversified, sustained, and inclusive growth in the country,” said Mr. Zaidansyah. “ADB’s support is aligned to PNG’s Medium Term Development Plan IV, 2023−2027, taking into consideration the International Monetary Fund program’s lending limit, portfolio performance of active ADB projects, and the capacity of our executing and implementing agencies.”
ADB’s active program in PNG currently stands at $1.38 billion. The largest sectors ADB is supporting are transport (roads and civil aviation) with 60% and energy with 20% in response to the large infrastructure gap in PNG. The human and social development sector as well as building resilience to climate also form part of ADB’s active portfolio. ADB is also actively working on public sector management including state-owned enterprise reforms.
While ADB’s indicative country assistance pipeline for PNG for 2024–2027 will continue to focus on transport infrastructure, public sector management, energy, and education, it will also provide new emphasis on water, sanitation, hygiene, agriculture, and financial inclusion. The pipeline strongly supports climate change mitigation and gender equity. Planned transport, energy, and water projects aim to facilitate significant economic opportunities and access to services.
ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 68 members—49 from the region.
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