Establishment Agreement For Solomon Islands

World Bank And Solomon Islands Government Sign Establishment Agreement

HONIARA, September 4, 2009- The Solomon Islands Government and the World Bank signed an Establishment Agreement today, formalizing the creation of the World Bank office in Solomon Islands.

The Solomon Islands Government was represented at the signing by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Honorable William Haomae and the Minister for Finance, the Honorable Snyder Rini. The World Bank was represented by the Solomon Islands Country Manager, Edith Bowles, on behalf of the East-Asia Pacific Vice-President James Adams.

Solomon Islands has been a member of the World Bank since 1978. The World Bank opened an office in Honiara last year, and the signing of this agreement represents the last formality in the establishment of the office.

Solomon Islands is one of 185 member countries of the World Bank. Established in 1944 the World Bank, working through national governments, is an important source for information and funding for developing nations. Within Solomon Islands the World Bank provides funding and technical support to assist in the improvement of telecommunications, health, energy, and rural development.

“The signing of this agreement represents the final step in the establishment of a permanent World Bank office in Honiara” said Edith Bowles, the Country Manager of the World Bank, Solomon Islands. “Since its opening, having an office in country has enabled the World Bank to work more closely with the people and government of Solomon Islands, as well as other donors, and to gain a deeper understanding of the country and how best the international community can support the development aspirations of Solomon Islands people,” she said.

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For more information about the World Bank in Solomon Islands, please visit www.worldbank.org/solomonislands

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