Public Service Commissioner Carl Hunter and Asian Development Bank (ADB) representative James Webb met last month in Rarotonga to discuss forward co-operation between the Cook Islands and the ADB in the public sector.

The Cook Islands and the ADB have been working together since 1976. For almost five decades, co-operation has focused on the commitment by the ADB to provide public sector loans, grants, and technical assistance to the Cook Islands to achieve its development goals.

In a statement, Hunter said: “The ADB has long been steadfast in its commitment to helping the Cook Islands achieve a more prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable future, not only by expanding its presence here in the Cook Islands in 2022 but by building resilience against economic surprises, and supporting our recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic including promoting private sector investment.”

“The Cook Islands has a long-standing relationship with the ADB and is one which goes back almost five decades and that we deeply appreciate. We look forward to continuing to work with the ADB to achieve our development goals and discuss future issues, aspirations, and matters which might affect our people.”

For almost 50 years, the Cook Islands has been discussing how to achieve its development goals with the ADB, with the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management the ADB focal point, and the bank looking to explore future support and opportunities in the Cook Islands that include transport, aviation, water, sanitation sectors, and education.

In March 2024, the Ministry of Education and Cook Islands Investment Corporation in collaboration with the ADB announced the successful completion of project works to enhance water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities in schools across the Cook Islands.

Last month’s meeting was also a continuation of discussions with the Office of the Public Service Commissioner regarding the Cook Islands Functional Review, which has been endorsed by Cabinet.

The ADB has funded the Functional Review Report, with Webb indicating support by ADB for some components of the roll-out of the Review implemented, including the scoping for a National Workforce Development Plan.

“I had a very positive exchange with Mr James Webb about the Functional Review,” said Hunter.

“I look forward to working closely with him to progressing some of the initiatives and changes we discussed, particularly as relates to the Review and how the Cook Islands can meet its development goals.”