Fiji has today welcomed the World Bank at an Establishment Agreement Signing ceremony.
Speaking at the event, the World Bank's Vice President for the East Asia and Pacific Region, Victoria Kwakwa thanked the government for initiating the partnership and giving permission to have the World Bank's regional office in Fiji.
Kwakwa says this marks an important opening for Fiji and the Pacific as they will help Fiji grow because of the resources that will now be readily available in-house.
She says they want an open, candid and frank relationship to be formed between Fiji and the World Bank.
While welcoming the World Bank, Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama says he is honored that out of the 11 Pacific Island countries that are members of the World Bank group, Fiji has been selected as a location for the establishment of its regional office.
Bainimarama says being based in Fiji, government will help assist the World Bank understand the challenges and issues faced by the Pacific Island countries.
He says this will help the World Bank develop programmes to better address these issues, and in the long run it will also benefit the vulnerable communities in Fiji and the Pacific.
Meanwhile, the Attorney General and Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed‑Khaiyum had earlier stated that by May next year, the World Bank will have 25 staff and 15 staff will come from Sydney.
It was also earlier stated that the World Bank will open its first regional office at the new FNPF building in Suva.
