Serials

This report examines the role of land and labor markets in ADB's Pacific developing member countries' (PDMCs) economic growth and looks at the best way to mobilize land and labor resources in these countries. The creation of secure individualized land tenure within the context of the widespread communal ownership of land in the Pacific islands is a highly sensitive and difficult issue. The various attempts to create individual freehold and leasehold tenure have not met much success. Different kinds of informal land access arrangements are being proposed or adopted. The report surveys these activities to determine which might provide hope for achieving progress.

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of current economic and fiscal development in the Federated States of Micronesia and of its reliance on external funding under the Compact of Free Association with the United States of America. The report focuses on the impact of the step down in funding this financial year and the possible end of such funding in 2001. Seventh in a series of studies published by ADB to help generate a better understanding of economic developments in the Pacific region.

Fisheries, in particular the tuna resource, offer investment opportunities in support of economic growth and the generation of employment and incomes for the ADB's Pacific developing member countries (PDMCs). Investment opportunities are however greatly influenced by the recipients' political, social, and economic circumstances. This report discusses the key issues pertaining to investing in the PDMCs, examines alternative policies to developing sustainable tuna industries beneficial to the local economies, and reports on these issues and options, as well as their implications for future tuna development efforts.

This report provides a review of recent economic developments, setting the scene for the policy reform program on which the Marshall Islands is now embarking. It includes detailed analyses of the fiscal situation and prospects, key issues that are driving the reform program as the end of financial assistance under the Compact of Free Association with the USA approaches

The study provides an update of macroeconomic, industrial, and trade issues in the South Pacific island nation of Tonga. It also provides a detailed assessment of trade investment incentives, and a review and evaluation of financial planning and resource management in the health sector.

Pacific island countries are generally high-cost economies. Wages are well in excess of productivity; at the same time, the purchasing power of wages in the Pacific is low, reflecting the impact of transport costs and small markets.

Massive levels of overseas emigration from countries such as Tonga, Samoa, and Cook Islands, and rapid rates of rural-to-urban migration in other Pacific island countries demonstrate a widespread dissatisfaction with rural living conditions and services. The level of political development and the lack of institutional capacity have posed obstacles to the pursuit of clear and consistent policies and the establishment of effective public information and accountability.

This paper sets out the strategy for ADB operations in the Pacific region and is being published to help generate a better understanding of the role it plays in the Pacific.

This book is part of ADB's Pacific studies series and reviews the performance of Fiji's agriculture sector over the past decade. It suggests a new strategy for growth and diversification in light of recent trade developments, giving the private sector a bigger role.

The printed version of this publication is out of print. Please contact the Publications Unit for more information.

The book is designed to provide a basis for discussion between governments and donor community on policies, plans, and programs for human resource development in small Pacific island countries. It raises critical issues and proposes possible strategies and interventions requiring further consideration by governments. A special chapter discusses the women-in-development situation in selected Pacific countries.