Manila, Philippines: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) Vice-President Lawrence Greenwood  will visit Vanuatu this week to attend the “Pacific Conference on the Human Face of the Global Economic Crisis Conference” in Port Vila.

More than 220 participants, including government ministers, parliamentarians, development partners, UN agencies, and civil society organizations are expected to attend.

The conference is organised by the Government of Vanuatu with support from the ADB, the United Nations, Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, and Secretariat of the Pacific Community and the University of the South Pacific.

During his official visit to Vanuatu, Vice-President Greenwood will hold talks with senior Vanuatu Government officials and participate in consultations on ADB’s assistance to Vanuatu.

 The Vice-President will also meet with the Prime Minister, Edward Natapei and the Minister for Finance, Sela Molisa. He will discuss ADB’s assistance, including programs to expand rural and microfinance outreach, and improve Vanuatu's business and legal systems. The Vice-President will also make field visits to some ADB-funded projects.

Vice-President Greenwood's visit reaffirms ADB's continuing strong support for the Vanuatu government's development efforts. Since Vanuatu became a member country of ADB in 1981, it has received $51.25 million in total lending and $16.37 million in technical assistance from ADB.