Pacific countries have called on the Asian Development Bank to be more flexible in its financial assistance so the island countries can cope with the twin issues of the global economic crisis and climate change.
Speaking on behalf of the Pacific Developing Member Countries at the recent ADB Governors meeting in Bali, the Cook Islands Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Sir Terepai Maoate, emphasised the need for resources to minimise the effects of the economic crisis.
The Pacific nations want the support facilities that are currently available to be modified to allow easier access to concessional loans.
Sir Terepai says the ADB should also introduce new concessional loan facilities that will be available at more generous terms.
And he says the amount of technical assistance provided to the Pacific countries in terms of scoping studies should be minimised because what is needed now is implementation of projects, not further studies.
