World Bank to establish regional office in Suva

The World Bank will have its own regional office in Suva as a sign of further strengthening of partnership with Fiji and the Pacific.

Fiji welcomed this opportunity during the signing of the World Bank establishment agreement at the Prime Minister’s office Wednesday.

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama says Fiji is honoured to host the World Bank group.

Bainimarama says Fiji’s relationship with the World Bank is growing and its presence at home will benefit not only Fiji but neighbouring countries.

“Being based in Fiji is increasingly beneficial for international organizations such as the World Bank. Being based in Fiji will assist the World Bank to understand the challenges and issues faced by Pacific island countries which will enable the World Bank to develop programs to better address these issues and in the long run will benefit the vulnerable communities of Fiji and the Pacific”.

Bainimarama says the new regional office will also benefit all Pacific countries as together there are many opportunities for the development of the region.

He says the government will assist the World Bank to understand the challenges and issues faced by Pacific island countries.

“Out of the 11 Pacific Island countries which are members of the World Bank Group, our country has been selected as the location for the establishment of this regional office and we are honoured to host the World Bank Group. Fiji welcomes the World Bank and International Finance Corporation’s presence as well as other organisations that may wish to call Fiji home.”

Bainimarama says the new office will enable the World Bank to develop programmes that better address these issues.

He says it will benefit the vulnerable communities in Fiji and the Pacific in the long run.

World Bank Vice President Victoria Kwakwa says the new regional office will enable them to support Fiji and the Pacific’s day to day basis.

She says they’re also tapping into Fiji’s growing leadership in the region to make it a basis of support for other countries.

FBC News reports the new office is expected to be set up at the FNPF Plaza in Suva.

The World Bank is a vital source of financial and technical assistance to developing countries around the world.

 

Photo by FBC News