The Prime Minister of Tonga, Mr. Pōhiva Tuʻiʻonetoa, joined representatives from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the World Bank Group to inaugurate a new ADB–World Bank joint office in Nuku’alofa. The new office marks a significant increase in the development institutions’ presence in Tonga and the Pacific subregion.

“ADB and World Bank financing has helped Tonga achieve real development results,” said Mr. Tuʻiʻonetoa. “The new shared field presence of the two institutions will allow us to collectively better respond to the development needs of the people of Tonga.”

The extended presence from both ADB and the World Bank in Tonga will enable the two institutions to provide more effective support and responsiveness on the ground; maintain regular and close dialogue with government, civil society, project beneficiaries, and other stakeholders on development issues; and allow both organizations to share resources effectively.

ADB’s Pacific Country Office (PCO) in Tonga assists the government in implementing its development strategy. ADB’s program in Tonga focuses on investments in energy, information and communications technology, transport, and water and urban infrastructure that will reduce the costs of key services and improve overall productivity.

“Together, ADB and Tonga have made good progress in renewable energy, information and communications technology, policy-based budget support, and building resilience against climate change,” said ADB Deputy Director General for the Pacific Mr. James Lynch. “Challenges remain as we continue to support broad-based economic growth and efficient access to basic services.”

ADB began working with Tonga in 1972 and has since committed $70.2 million in loans and $121.2 million in grants. Since 2008, ADB has significantly scaled up both its financial and technical support to Tonga, committing $87.7 million in grants and concessional loans and mobilizing $44.9 million in cofinancing.

The World Bank currently has seven active projects in Tonga representing $129 million in commitments. The last replenishment of the International Development Association, the World Bank’s fund for the world’s most in-need countries, has seen historic levels of financial resources for countries including Tonga.

“The World Bank has had a relationship with the Government of Tonga for over 30 years and our partnership sees us supporting Tonga in sectors including fisheries, transport, skills and education, digital development, resilience, and budget support,” said the Manager of Operations for the World Bank in the Pacific Islands and Papua New Guinea Ms. Mona Sur.

“We are very pleased to be able to continue supporting transformational projects in Tonga and working with our development partners on joint projects, such as our communications and technology project, which was cofinanced with ADB and helped to significantly increase access and reduce costs of internet services across the country.”

The Head of ADB’s Tonga PCO is Senior Country Coordination Officer Mr. Tatafu Moeaki.

The Head of the World Bank’s Tonga Country Office is Liaison Officer Ms. Natalia Latu.

ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. In 2018, it made commitments of new loans and grants amounting to $21.6 billion. Established in 1966, it is owned by 68 members—49 from the region.