Photo credit: ADB
Masatsugu Asakawa, the president of the Asian Development Bank, and Treasurer Ian Ling-Stuckey recently met in Manila, Philippines.
Following this meeting, Treasurer Ling-Stuckey stated that the ADB has been PNG's largest and most dependable multilateral aid donor, having contributed approximately $US4.26 billion (K15 billion) in aid to PNG since 1977, encompassing 292 projects.
He claimed that the majority of this assistance went to the transportation industry, including airports and road projects. Twenty percent of it went to the crucial health industry, and significant sums were also given to public sector management, energy, agriculture and rural development, finance, education, and water projects.
In honouring these 45 years of service, Mr. Ling-Stuckey thanked ADB on behalf of the James Marape-led PNG government.
“We continue to face uncertain economic times, and it is reassuring that we have the ADB as a friend to stand with us now and as we continue the Marape-Rosso Governments economic reform program.
“In the discussions, I also highlighted the valuable interactions we have with the local ADB office headed by Mr. David Hill. His leadership is well-admired across government as a good listener and pro-active contributor to policy discussions within PNG,” Mr. Ling-Stuckey said.
“He leads a good team located in Port Moresby but extensively traverses PNG.
“I explored further possibilities for expanding technical assistance through his office.
“The President and I then discussed the challenging environment facing all countries in the region.
The global impacts of COVID-19 were still depressing the speed of economic recovery.”
The difficulties brought on by climate change, as well as ADB's desire to help, according to Mr. Ling-Stuckey.
“There was also a good discussion of the broader strategic environment and challenges facing the region.
I greatly welcomed listening to the ADB President’s wisdom on such issues, as well as sharing some PNG perspectives” stated the Treasurer.
Reference: Post-Courier (27 September 2022). “ADB President Welcomes Treasurer In Manila”.
