The World Bank Group has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Pacific Island countries in strengthening their economies, creating jobs, and attracting private investment through a regional visit by senior officials to Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Australia, and New Zealand. During the visit, the delegation engaged with government leaders and private sector partners to launch new initiatives aimed at boosting employment and economic growth. In Papua New Guinea, officials joined Prime Minister James Marape to highlight the country’s National Agriculture Sector Plan 2024–2033, which seeks to commercialize agriculture and create one million jobs by 2033 as part of the World Bank Group’s AgriConnect initiative.
In Fiji, the delegation introduced the World Bank Group’s new Small States Strategy focused on addressing the economic vulnerabilities of small island nations through job creation, resilience, and private sector–led growth, while also supporting financing access for small and medium enterprises and initiatives related to the country’s energy transition. The visit also included engagements in Vanua Levu, where ongoing efforts to strengthen tourism infrastructure—such as airport upgrades—are expected to support job creation and economic development. In Australia and New Zealand, discussions focused on procurement reforms designed to expand opportunities for businesses to participate in World Bank-financed projects while increasing local workforce participation.
Overall, the World Bank Group emphasized its broader strategy of helping countries translate economic growth into sustainable employment opportunities by investing in infrastructure, human capital, and business-friendly environments while mobilizing private investment. With millions of young people expected to enter the workforce in developing countries in the coming years, the institution is prioritizing sectors with strong job creation potential, including infrastructure and energy, agribusiness, healthcare, tourism, and manufacturing.
