World Bank expansion reinforces our position as the hub of the region
This agreement will also provide a larger presence for the International Finance Corporation, a member of the World Bank, which focuses on the private sector in emerging markets
The World Bank Group has signed an agreement with Fiji to expand its office in Suva, which will serve as a hub supporting programmes across the South Pacific.
This strengthening of relations between Fiji and the World Bank is a positive sign for the country.
The expansion of the World Bank office in Suva is also an indication of the confidence it has in Fiji and its leaders.
The beneficiaries of this expansion will not only be Fiji but also the region.
The expanded office will see more technical staff with expertise in macroeconomic policy, public sector management, maritime transport, aviation, information communications and technology, and disaster resilience based in
Fiji.
This agreement will also provide a larger presence for the
International
Finance Corporation, a member of the World
Bank, which focuses on the private sector in emerging markets.
The World
Bank Group had established its physical presence in Fiji last year. The signing of the Establishment Agreement is a significant development.
The World Bank joins many other international organisations which have set up here. It reinforces the confidence in Fiji as the hub of the Pacific and it’s connectivity to other Pacific Island countries as well as all continents that rim the Pacific except for South America.
These organisations believe that being based in Fiji is beneficial.
The World Bank believes that the Suva location will assist it to understand the challenges and issues faced by Pacific Island countries. This will enable the World Bank to develop programmes that better address these issues and in the long run will benefit the vulnerable communities of Fiji and the Pacific.
The World Bank expansion here tells us that we have come a long way since the 2014 general election. Despite what critics say, Fiji is progressing and moving forward in an impressive way economically and socially. So much so it has attracted several international organisations like the World Bank.
They want peace and stability which Fiji can guarantee. They also want to be in a country that has a robust economy and high standard of infrastructure. Compared to other Pacific Islands, Fiji offers the best option for support service. That’s the reason the World Bank is expanding here.
As we maintain our momentum for economic growth, we are going to attract more international organisations here because we are now the undisputed hub of the Pacific.
The World Bank believes that the Suva location will assist it to understand the challenges and issues faced by Pacific Island countries. This will enable the World Bank to develop programmes that better address these issues and in the long run will benefit the vulnerable communities of Fiji and the Pacific.