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A strong state reinforces investment yield, whether this results from public or private sector investment. Th e development needs of a weak state must diff er from those of a strong state. Th e fragile states of the Pacifi c are not the dynamic societies of Asia.1 Th ese may sound like obvious statements but the special needs of Pacifi c fragile states have not been apparent in earlier approaches to development in the Pacifi c region. Current Asian Development Bank (ADB) regional and country strategies and programs diff er from those of earlier years. Emphasis on maintaining project loan portfolios has been lessened and replaced by an emphasis on strengthening state operations, including testing and strengthening the demand for reform, and engaging civil society in development decisions. Th e shift is toward greater participation in development with the aim of building demand for good governance and reform to support performance-oriented delivery of public and private goods and services.

The Government of Kiribati emphasizes the need for improving the economy of the outer islands, particularly Kiritimati (Christmas) Island. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has therefore included a technical assistance (TA) for Implementation of Population Policy and a Land Development Program in its country strategy and program update 2006–2007.1 The TA Fact-Finding Mission visited Kiribati (Kiritimati Island and Tarawa) from 16 to 30 August 2006 and discussed with government officials the objectives and scope, implementation arrangements, and outline of general terms of reference of the TA.

Recent studies have shown that the Cook Islands' social infrastructure has limited preparedness against weather-related vulnerability. The inherent geographical vulnerability of the country to climate change can be ameliorated by initiating integrated infrastructure and social development, including human resources development.