By: L.N. Reklai
August 4, 2016 (Koror) Asian Development Bank President Takehiko Nakao is slated to make a historic visit to Palau next week, considered to be a rare occurrence for Pacific Island member countries of ADB.
Palau is a recipient of approximately $68m in development loans from ADB as well as hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of technical and research assistance. These loans are primarily to improve aging water, sewer and telecommunications infrastructures that are essential for economic development and poverty alleviation, according to Ms. Alfonsa Koshiba, ADB Donor Coordination Officer in Palau.
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Mr. Nakao is expected to meet with the leadership of Palau upon his arrival and have a scheduled visit to Peleliu during his short time in Palau.
“He has a keen interest in youth and is interested to see youth development programs, programs incorporating youth into decision making processes. He is expecting to meet with youth representatives during his visit as well,” reported the ADB Officer Koshiba.
ADB President Nakao was elected President of the ADB in 2013. Before joining ADB, he was the Vice Minister of Finance for the International Affairs at the Ministry of Finance of Japan. He had published books and numerous papers on financial and economic issues.
During his visit to Palau, he will be accompanied by Mr. Matthew Fox, Executive Director on the ADB Board of Directors. Other members of his delegation are Mr. Naoya Jinda, his Chief Advisor, Xianbin Yao, Director General of the Pacific Department of the ADB, and Emma Veve, Director of Urban, Social Development and Public Management Division in Pacific Department. [/restrict]