Papua New Guinea: Building Solid Physical and Social Infrastructure

Abstract

Papua New Guinea is a tribe-based society yet export-driven economy in the midst of integrating into a globalized world. The Asian Development Bank has partnered with the country since 1971 and has helped the government build solid foundations in physical and social infrastructure. ADB is engaged in projects to strengthen land, water, and air transport; develop clean power; encourage private sector development; and improve human resources by providing primary health care and basic financial services through microfinance. All this has helped the commodity-based economy continue steady economic growth despite the global downturn. Papua New Guinea is the largest recipient of ADB assistance in the Pacific, with a total of $1,272 million in approved loans and Asian Development Fund grants of $15 million by the end of 2009.