ADB And RMI Sign $5 Million Loan For Public Sector Reform

ADB And RMI Sign $5 Million Loan For Public Sector Reform

MAJURO, REPUBLIC OF MARSHALL ISLANDS (13 December 2012) – A loan agreement was signed today in Majuro to support the Government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands(RMI) continue implementing public sector reform initiatives to achieve long-term fiscal sustainability.

At the signing ceremony, Mr. Dennis Momotaro, Minister of Finance, represented the Government of RMI while Asian Development Bank (ADB) was represented by Mr. Ayumi Konishi, Deputy Director General of its Pacific Department.

The ADB approved the Public Sector Reform Program and its subprogram one in 2010. Under the first subprogram, policy actions were designed and the implementation of immediate reform initiatives began. Subprogram two, for which $5 million loan was signed today, will complete the implementation of the policy actions.

“This initiative reaffirms ADB’s long-term partnership with the Marshall Islands. While good progress has been made on fiscal and structural reforms under the program, further efforts are needed to generate sustainable medium-term economic growth in the Marshall Islands,” said Ayumi Konishi.

The Marshall Islands economy heavily relies on government spending and foreign grants which fund more than two-thirds of government’s budget. Most foreign grants are provided under an amended Compact of Free Association (or the Compact) with the United States. Economic growth over the medium-term in the RMI is expected to stay low at around 1.5% and revenues are projected to decline. Within this low-growth scenario, the RMI needs to adjust to the annual decline in United States Compact of Free Association grants, which will expire in 2023.

Policy actions under the subprogram two, that have already been achieved include: introducing new legislation covering state-owned enterprises, tax, and fiscal responsibility and debt management; adopting and implementing reform plans for selected state-owned enterprises to improve their performance; and completing a public sector workforce audit and planning exercise. Post-program monitoring will continue throughout 2013.

The loan of $5 million equivalent signed today is from ADB’s Special Funds resources.. RMI has been a member of ADB since 1990.

ADB, based in Manila, is dedicated to reducing poverty in Asia and the Pacific through inclusive economic growth, environmentally sustainable growth, and regional integration. Established in 1966, it is owned by 67 members – 48 from the region. In 2011, ADB approvals including co-financing totaled $21.7 billion.

ENDS

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