The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of Papua New Guinea (PNG) have agreed on a timebound action plan to accelerate the implementation and enhance the performance of ADB-financed projects, following discussions at the 2024 Country Portfolio Review Mission Roundtable Meeting.
The hybrid meeting, co-chaired by ADB Country Director for PNG, Said Zaidansyah, and Department of National Planning and Monitoring Acting First Assistant Secretary, Reichert Thanda, was attended by various government officials, including Department of Works and Highways Acting Secretary, Gibson Holemba, and Department of Treasury Deputy Secretary, John Uware, as well as project directors and ADB staff. Participants reviewed the overall performance of the project portfolio and discussed delegation of responsibilities with executing and implementing agencies.
“As the largest multilateral development partner of PNG, ADB will continue to support diversified, sustained, and inclusive growth in the country,” said Mr Zaidansyah. “The development impact and effectiveness of ADB’s support rely on the quality of portfolio performance, and we will keep collaborating with the government to enhance this performance and build the capacity of the relevant government agencies.”
ADB’s active portfolio in PNG comprises 15 loans and six grants across 10 projects, totalling $1.38 billion. The largest sectors supported by ADB are transport (roads and civil aviation), which account for 60% of the active portfolio, and energy (20%), addressing the country’s substantial infrastructure needs. Human and social development, climate resilience, and gender equity are also key areas of ADB’s engagement in PNG. Additionally, ADB is involved in public sector management, including reforming state-owned enterprises.
The action plan, designed to boost portfolio performance, focuses on contract and project management, procurement, financial management, social and environmental safeguards, and promoting gender equality. ADB and the government will closely track progress on the agreed actions.
