The Asian Development Bank will establish a new North Pacific Subregional Office in Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia, marking a significant expansion of its presence in one of the Pacific’s most strategically important regions.
The new office, announced on 2 July, will upgrade ADB’s existing Pacific Country Office in FSM and is expected to become operational by the end of 2026. Led by a Regional Director, it will serve the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands and Palau.
For businesses operating in the Pacific, the move signals ADB’s intention to deepen its engagement in the North Pacific and strengthen the pipeline of development projects across the three countries. A stronger on-the-ground presence is expected to improve project preparation, implementation, policy dialogue and coordination with governments, development partners and the private sector.
ADB Director General for the Pacific Emma Veve said the new office would strengthen delivery of the bank’s growing programme in the region while helping mobilise additional public and private investment.
“The North Pacific Subregional Office will bolster delivery of ADB’s growing assistance, tailored to help solve the complex development challenges faced by this part of the Pacific region,” she said.
The North Pacific comprises some of the world’s most geographically dispersed economies, where small populations, vast ocean distances and vulnerability to climate events create unique development challenges. These factors have also increased the need for closer engagement between development partners, governments and industry.
ADB has supported development in the North Pacific since 1990. As at March 2026, the Bank had committed more than US$841 million across the Federated States of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands and Palau. Its active portfolio includes 34 public sector projects valued at US$320.5 million, covering infrastructure, energy, water, transport, climate resilience and public sector development.
The announcement follows ADB’s recent US$500,000 emergency grant to the Federated States of Micronesia to assist recovery efforts following Typhoon Sinlaku.
For APIBC members with interests in infrastructure, consulting, engineering, professional services and project delivery, the establishment of the North Pacific Subregional Office is likely to create closer engagement with ADB and greater visibility of future investment opportunities across the North Pacific.
Main pic Courtesy: ADB website
