Fiji is seeking to expand financing for climate-resilient infrastructure and attract greater private investment as Pacific countries face growing climate risks, the Ministry of Finance said.
Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel and ministry officials participated in Pre-COP31 discussions focused on climate resilience, infrastructure development and access to finance across the Pacific.
At the invitation of the World Bank, Immanuel joined a panel discussion titled “Building Resilience Without Sacrificing Growth: Pathways for the Pacific”, which examined how countries can strengthen climate resilience while sustaining economic growth.
Drawing on the World Bank Group's Country Climate and Development Reports for Fiji, Kiribati, Tuvalu and the Republic of the Marshall Islands, participants discussed investment priorities in infrastructure, tourism, fisheries, human capital, clean energy and ecosystem protection.
The discussions also covered climate finance, governance and practical measures to implement these priorities.
Immanuel attended a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and Asian Development Bank President Masato Kanda, which highlighted the development bank's support for Fiji and the wider Pacific, particularly in infrastructure development.
Following the meeting, Immanuel and ADB Pacific Department Director General Emma Veve signed an agreement. The ministry's announcement did not specify the agreement's details.
Ministry officials also attended a KPMG-organised side event, “From Ambition to Investment: Financing Pacific Infrastructure”, represented by Debt Management Unit Manager Sisilia Nalaide and Infrastructure Sector Manager Tevita Tuibau.
The event brought together government representatives, development partners, financiers and private sector leaders to explore ways to mobilise investment in sustainable and climate-resilient infrastructure across the region.
Another plenary session, “Vulnerable to Investable: Reimagining Finance for the Pacific”, examined ways to improve climate readiness and increase funding for national and regional priorities.
Participants discussed attracting financing beyond public funds, including private investment, philanthropic support and blended finance combining public and private capital.
The discussions reflect efforts by Pacific governments and development partners to mobilise additional funding for infrastructure and climate adaptation, while balancing resilience requirements with economic growth.
