ADB Marks Formal Opening of Marshall Islands Office

MAJURO, MARSHALL ISLANDS (27 October 2023) — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) joined the Government of Marshall Islands in a ceremony today to officially open ADB’s Marshall Islands Pacific Country Office (PCO) in Majuro. 

The Marshall Islands PCO has been operational since 2019, but the opening of a dedicated office space was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. ADB Deputy Director General for the Pacific Hideaki Iwasaki joined Marshall Islands Minister of Finance, Banking, and Postal Services Casten Nemra for the ceremony.

“For over 30 years, ADB has been assisting the Marshall Islands to achieve its development goals,” said Mr. Iwasaki. “ADB will continue to improve the quality of basic education and foster green and sustainable recovery beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. ADB will also support investments in water and sanitation, solid waste management, renewable energy, youth development, and institutional strengthening for the Ministry of Finance.”

“The Marshall Islands PCO deepens our partnership with ADB and allows us to be more responsive to the development needs of the Marshall Islands people,” said Mr. Nemra. “We look forward to continuing support from ADB particularly in the areas of economic and public sector management, and private sector development.”

Ellen Paul is the Senior Country Officer of ADB’s Marshall Islands PCO.

The Marshall Islands has been working with ADB since 1990. To date, ADB has committed 78 public sector loans, grants, and technical assistance totaling $202.2 million to the Marshall Islands. ADB’s work with the Marshall Islands focuses on strengthening energy security; water, sanitation, and solid waste management infrastructure; education; public financial management; and governance.

ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 68 members—49 from the region.