PORT MORESBY, PAPUA NEW GUINEA - Takafumi Kadono has assumed office as the new Country Director of the Asian Development Bank's (ADB) Papua New Guinea (PNG) Resident Mission in Port Moresby. Mr. Kadono will oversee the formulation and implementation of ADB's new country partnership strategy for PNG and wider engagement in the country.

"We will work with the Government of PNG to further boost economic growth and social development by supporting improvements to the country's transport and energy sectors, increasing access to health and education services, and bolstering the competitiveness of the private sector," said Mr. Kadono. "ADB will continue to work closely with key partners to enhance the inclusivity and resilience of PNG's financial and health systems to future shocks."

ADB is one of PNG's largest financing partners for infrastructure investments in the transport and energy sectors. It supports technical and vocational education and training, with cofinancing from the Government of Australia, to help prepare students to be more competitive and responsive to employment and industry demands. ADB also supports PNG's health sector through policy reforms and direct investments in health systems and better public financial management.

A national of Japan, Mr. Kadono has over 26 years of international development experience with ADB and the World Bank Group. He most recently served as ADB's Country Director for Sri Lanka.

ADB is a leading multilateral development bank supporting inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth across Asia and the Pacific. Working with its members and partners to solve complex challenges together, ADB harnesses innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to transform lives, build quality infrastructure, and safeguard our planet. Founded in 1966, ADB is owned by 69 members-50 from the region.