Boosting connectivity will strengthen services in the Pacific

Better information technologies and transport infrastructure are seen as key in the Pacific to increase economic opportunities and better access to goods and services.

According to the Asian Development Bank, a drop in the Pacific's growth is due to the slowdown in Papua New Guinea.

ADB's Director General for Pacific Carmela Locsin said improved information communication technology is no longer a luxury, but a necessity.

Recovery in the larger economies is expected to see regional growth at 3.3% in 2018.

However, the price prospects for Pacific exports are mixed and inbound tourism may slow down.

The ADB Pacific Department notes the Pacific countries' remoteness is a fundamental constraint to economic development.

In the report, the ADB estimates that 75% of Pacific economies will be connected to submarine cables in the next 2-3 years.

The ADB is working with the Cook Islands, Kiribati, Nauru, Palau, Samoa, and Tonga to help develop submarine cable projects.

 

Photo: Asian Development Bank