The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has appointed Takafumi Kadono as its new country director for Papua New Guinea, with responsibility for leading the bank’s resident mission in Port Moresby and overseeing its development engagement in the country.
Kadono assumed office on January 13 and will lead the formulation and implementation of ADB’s next country partnership strategy for Papua New Guinea, guiding support across infrastructure, social services and private sector development.
In a statement, Kadono said ADB would continue to work with the Papua New Guinea government to strengthen economic growth and social development through investments in transport and energy, expanded access to health and education services, and measures to improve private sector competitiveness. He also said the bank would work closely with development partners to enhance the inclusivity and resilience of the country’s financial and health systems.
ADB is one of Papua New Guinea’s largest financing partners for infrastructure, particularly in the transport and energy sectors.
The bank also supports technical and vocational education and training programmes, co-financed by the Australian government, aimed at improving workforce skills and alignment with industry needs. In the health sector, ADB assistance includes policy reforms, investments in health systems and measures to strengthen public financial management.
A Japanese national, Kadono brings more than 26 years of international development experience with ADB and the World Bank Group. Prior to his appointment in Papua New Guinea, he served as ADB’s country director for Sri Lanka.
Founded in 1966, ADB is a multilateral development bank owned by 69 members, including 50 from Asia and the Pacific. It focuses on promoting inclusive, resilient and sustainable growth through financing, technical assistance and partnerships across the region.
