(Manila, Philippines, 3 February 2010) – Asian Development Bank (ADB) Vice-President C. Lawrence Greenwood Jr. will visit Vanuatu next week to attend the "Pacific Conference on the Human Face of the Global Economic Crisis Conference" in Port Vila from February 10-12, 2010.
More than 220 participants, including government ministers, parliamentarians, development partners, UN agencies, and civil society organizations are expected to attend.
The conference is organized by the Government of Vanuatu with support from the ADB, the United Nations, Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, Secretariat of the Pacific Community and the University of the South Pacific.
During his official visit to Vanuatu, Vice-President Greenwood will hold talks with senior Vanuatu Government officials and participate in consultations on ADB’s assistance to Vanuatu. The Vice-President will also meet with the Prime Minister, Edward Natapei and the Minister for Finance, Sela Molisa. He will discuss ADB’s assistance, including programs to expand rural and microfinance outreach, and improve Vanuatu's business and legal systems. The Vice-President will also make field visits to some ADB-funded projects.
Vice-President Greenwood's visit reaffirms ADB's continuing strong support for the Vanuatu government's development efforts. Since Vanuatu became a member country of ADB in 1981, it has received $51.25 million in total lending and $16.37 million in technical assistance from ADB.
Vice-President Greenwood assumed his current post in February 2006. He is responsible for ADB’s operations in the Pacific, Southeast Asia, and East Asia. A career diplomat for nearly 30 years, Vice-President Greenwood has extensive experience in international finance, development, trade, and investment Asia and the Pacific.
ADB, based in Manila, is dedicated to reducing poverty in the Asia and Pacific region through inclusive economic growth, environmentally sustainable growth, and regional integration. Established in 1966, it is owned by 67 members – 48 from the region.
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