GNUT reaffirms priorities with ADB, focusing on LDC graduation, infrastructure delivery and 2028 targets.
Friday 27 February 2026 – The Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) has reaffirmed its national development priorities during a bilateral meeting with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on the margins of the Pacific Agenda Summit in Honolulu.
Minister of Finance and Treasury, Rexson Ramofafia, and Minister for National Planning and Aid Coordination, Trevor Manemahaga, met with ADB Vice-President for East and Southeast Asia and the Pacific, Scott Morris, and Director General of the Pacific Department, Emma Veve.
ADB conveyed that the purpose of the meeting was to better understand the Solomon Islands Government’s immediate and medium-term priorities and how the Bank can effectively align its support.
On behalf of the Government and people of Solomon Islands, Minister Ramofafia thanked ADB for its continued partnership and acknowledged the recent opening of the Bank’s country mission in Honiara, describing it as a significant step toward strengthening coordination and improving project delivery.
Minister Ramofafia outlined GNUT’s priority goals over the next two years, including Solomon Islands’ graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status in 2027 and the celebration of the nation’s 50th Independence Anniversary on 7 July 2028.
He emphasised that a key milestone for the Government is the timely completion of major infrastructure projects ahead of the 50th anniversary celebrations.
Drawing on lessons from the Land and Maritime Connectivity Project (LMCP), particularly the phasing out of Phase II and preparations for Phase III, the Minister highlighted areas requiring improvement. He requested that administrative and procurement processes be fast-tracked to avoid delays experienced in previous phases, noting that efficient implementation will be critical to achieving GNUT’s 2028 targets.
ADB acknowledged that procurement and administrative processes have contributed to delays in some projects and expressed its commitment to working more closely with the Government to address these issues.
Minister Ramofafia also raised the importance of progressing discussions on a Sovereign Wealth Fund, highlighting its relevance to long-term fiscal sustainability and intergenerational equity. ADB indicated that further engagement with Solomon Islands will be required to advance discussions in this area.
Planning Minister, Manemahaga reiterated the Finance Minister’s concerns and stressed the importance of prioritising high-return projects that generate sustainable economic growth. While infrastructure remains critical, he emphasised the need to support Solomon Islanders in the private sector, strengthen livelihoods, and invest in the social sectors to ensure inclusive and broad-based development.
During the meeting, Planning Minister, Manemahaga formally handed over the Solomon Islands National Infrastructure Investment Plan (SINIP) to ADB to provide a clear understanding of the Government’s infrastructure priorities and long-term development plans.
Both parties described the discussions as constructive and meaningful, reaffirming their shared commitment to strengthening cooperation and ensuring Solomon Islands remains on track to achieve its national development milestones.
SOURCE: PMO Press Release
