ILISAPECI TUIVALE
“This is a great moment for both European Investment Bank (EIB) and the Government of Fiji as this marks an important milestone in our EU-Fiji partnership.”
“It is indeed a sign of confidence and trust placed by EIB in the future of our country and shows EIB's willingness to not only deepen its engagement with Fiji but expand its role in the region.”
Minister for Finance, Strategic Planning and Statistics, Professor Biman Prasad said the opening of the new EIB regional office was an advantage seeing that Fiji was well positioned as the hub of the Pacific and the EIB will now be more accessible to its current and future clients.
This will also greatly complement the presence and valuable contributions of other international institutions such as the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, International Monetary Fund, International Finance Corporation, the United Nations, and others.
“The European Union has been an important partner in our development process and more recently with the engagements with EIB, now the presence of the regional office here in Fiji we look forward to more fruitful and deeper engagements,” Minister Prasad said.
EIB Vice-President, Ambroise Fayolle, who is also in-charge of EIB’s Pacific operations, said: “With the opening of an EIB representation office in Suva, the bank of the European Union is demonstrating its growing ambition to be closer to the people, companies and institutions of the Pacific region, and to invest more in projects there. What we aim to do is reinforce Team Europe’s presence on the ground”.
“This office will be another bridge between the region and the European Union, including as part of the EU Global Gateway initiative. It will help address key issues such as climate change and climate resilience, the energy crisis and food insecurity more efficiently,” Mr Fayolle said.
“Looking ahead, I am confident that we will be able to make a difference in helping to unlock green, sustainable and empowering growth and development for Fiji and the Pacific region.”
The EIB is the European Union’s long-term financing institution that is owned by its member states.
To contribute towards the EU’s policy goals, the EIB is responsible for making long-term finance available for sound investments.
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