Fiji, May 6 -- Both New Zealand and Australia have urged the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to ensure project procurement process for Pacific Developing Member Countries (PDMCs) align with the Pacific Quality Infrastructure Principles.

The Pacific operates in a unique procurement market, and is at high risk from both climate and economic downturns.

"When operating in the Pacific, the bank must focus on quality for all parts of the procurement process, from identification and project design, through procurement, implementation, said New Zealand's temporary alternate governor, Adele Plummer.

Plummer said there must also be effective review mechanisms that ensure lessons are captured, and improvements made.

The Pacific Islands Forum-endors...