An analysis of 2014 budget outcomes and 2015 plans of ADB's Pacific member countries is the focus of this issue of the Pacific Economic Monitor, also including an analysis of opportunities and challenges from external factors. An analysis of 2014 budget outcomes and 2015 budget plans of ADB's Pacific developing member countries is the focus of this issue of the Pacific Economic Monitor. The policy briefs in this issue consider longer-run opportunities...

To help overcome remoteness, Pacific economies are looking to improve economic integration not only through ICT and transport network investments, but also by promoting greater competition and private investment. Enhancing connectivity is crucial to the Pacific and its people, who constantly contend with the challenges of geographic isolation and remoteness. Physical connectivity through air and maritime links brings people, goods, and services to...

This issue highlights the economic prospects of the Pacific developing member countries (Pacific DMCs) and stresses the importance of improving the quality and access to basic and sustainable utilities in the Pacific DMCs. Access to electricity is low in the Pacific, particularly in the more remote and less developed parts of the subregion. Factors contributing to this include dependence on costly fossil fuels for power generation, inadequate investment...