Manila – The December 2018 issue of the Pacific Economic Monitor provides an update on developments in 14 Pacific economies and explores topical policy issues in the region.

This publication provides an update on developments in Pacific economies, explores topical policy issues in the region over the years, and presents global forecasts for 2019. It includes an outline of the economic setting, as well as country economic issues and specific policy briefs for 14 Pacific economies. This includes analysis of critical development challenges including connectivity, climate change and disaster resilience, tourism, fisheries, and public sector management. The December 2018 issue also focuses on debt sustainability amid clear financing needs to help address remaining infrastructure and services gaps in the Pacific.

Highlights

The 25th issue of the Pacific Economic Monitor. From its first issue released at the height of the global economic crisis in May 2009, the Monitor has shone the spotlight on critical development challenges in the Pacific, including connectivity; climate change and disaster resilience; tourism; fisheries; and public sector management. This issue focuses on another timely topic—debt sustainability—amid clear financing needs to help address remaining infrastructure and services gaps in the Pacific.

Debt sustainability through sound policies and management. Although debt financing can play an important role in responding to substantial infrastructure needs in the Pacific, strong project due diligence and debt monitoring frameworks are needed to safeguard against future repayment concerns. Pacific governments and development partners are working together to keep these small economies away from debt distress, while also promoting long-term solutions to the challenge of expanding access to basic services.

The report is available HERE.