The World Bank Regional Vice President for East Asia and the Pacific region, Ms. Victoria Kwakwa has just completed her first visit to the FSM. Her visit included Pohnpei State from December 1 – 4 and Chuuk State from December 4-6, 2018. This is the first time such a senior official has visited the FSM andunderscores the growing global recognition of the need for strong support to small island developing states.
“While helping address vulnerability to climate change, economic and health shocks is a key driver of our investment in FSM, the increase is also driven by a strong alignment of interests in terms of their development agendas and the World Bank’s global priorities,” said Ms. Kwakwa.
In FSM, World Bank assistance from 2017 to 2020 has quadrupled to US$65 million. Current World Bank projects in place are helping to improve connectivity, strengthening public financial management, supporting the sustainability of the fishing industry, and developing the energy sector. On Dec 6, the World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors approved a second energy project that will replace the Pohnpei power plant, provide additional solar for Weno and mini-hybrid grids for Chuuk outer islands, a new generator for Yap, and battery storage for renewable energy in Kosrae. In the New Year, a new maritime project will be presented to the Board for approval which will focus on improving safety standards and security and upgrade infrastructure at FSM’s four main ports.
“Going forward, we hope to continue to bring not just financial resources, but also policy advice and technical resources to ensure strong, lasting benefits for the people,” Ms. Kwakwa said.
During her visit, Ms. Kwakwa and her delegation were able to meet with the FSM President Peter Christian, selected State and National leadership, implementing partners and other key stakeholders.
During the Vice President visit to Chuuk she met the Governor Johnson Elimo and members of the State Senate and Legislature. A visit to Udot in Chuuk State gave valuable insight of the impact that the new energy project will have on citizens including better access to health & education facilities, longer study times and freeing up of women’s time to assist in other pursuits.
“We have already achieved a significant amount in a short period of time with FSM, and throughout this trip I am pleased to be able to convey our commitment to a long-term partnership with the country,” Ms. Kwakwa said.
The Vice Speaker of FSM Congress, Esmond Moses, and the Secretary for Finance hosted a dinner where the Vice President was able to sample first hand the culture and traditions, and generosity of the Pohnpeian people.
As the FSM representative on the Board of Governors, Secretary for Finance, Ms. Sihna Lawrence welcomed the World Bank Vice President stating “that the relationship with the World Bank is relatively new and FSM are committed to deepening the partnership with the World Bank”.
