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| TA Name | ICT-based Inclusive Growth and Poverty Reduction in the Pacific | |||
| Country | Regional | |||
| Project Number | 43046- 01 | |||
| Fund Source/Amount[Proposed] |
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| Thematic Classification |
Private Sector Development
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| Linkage to Country/Regional Strategy |
ADB's Pacific Strategy 2005-2009, which covers 14 Pacific developing member countries (PDMCs), identified information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure and human resource development as an important element for private sector-driven socio-economic growth in the Pacific. Following this strategy, ADB has provided technical assistance and investment funding in PDMCs to support Pacific e-learning network with the University of the South Pacific, Samoa's SchoolNet and distance learning program, and Papua New Guinea's e-government program .
Limited ICT infrastructure in the region has been a hindrance to development and deployment of e-applications. Recognizing this challenge, the draft Pacific Strategy 2010-2015 (scheduled for finalization in November 2009), has highlighted the need for improving ICT infrastructure for development of the Pacific region. In February 2009, the ICT Ministerial Conference adopted a joint-communiqué that welcomed ADB's active role in ICT development in the Pacific. The PDMC governments, through SPC, have sought ADB's assistance in examining options to improve regional ICT connectivity, to identify investment opportunities and potential financing for ICT projects. PDMCs are currently reviewing possible options for regional or subregional submarine cable connection with the assistance of the World Bank. ADB's support through this TA will complement other international connectivity investment. At the same time, it will also help improve commercial viability of ICT infrastructure through raising the demand for value added services as well as improving the disadvantaged population's access and utilization of ICT. It will also help SPC and ADB to identify catalytic investment plans and projects, in accordance with international standards and ADB's guidelines for technical, financial, economic, social and environmental safeguards, and institutional assessments. The TA will also determine policy and regulatory conditions required to enhance future project viability, and examine compliance with ADB's policies and requirements for possible loan and grant financing. |
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| Impact | Greater income generation opportunities and welfare measured by number of new jobs and new marketing opportunities and number of people with access to education, health and other public services that are generated through availability of expanded ICT-based public and private sector services in the rural communities | |||
| Outcome | Awareness among PDMC stakeholders and development partners on how improved access to ICT and utilization can increase welfare and income-generating opportunities, particularly among the poor and populations in remote areas, evidenced through pragmatic models for generating those opportunities. | |||
| Outputs and Timeframe |
The PATA will identify and prioritize specific ICT strategies and interventions to generate the benefits of ICT applications such as improved access to affordable and reliable communications service, basic services including education and health and markets, especially among the poor and populations in the remote areas.
1. Phase 1 i. Financing plan and business models for branching from regional backbone network and in-country facilities in selected PDMCs ii. Regional Study of ICT interventions in support of inclusive growth and poverty reduction including the following components: a. An assessment of past, on-going and planned ICT interventions within and outside of the region with reference to the specific Pacific development challenges and potential role of ICT as solutions, especially for inclusive growth and poverty reduction b. Lessons from ADBs ICT interventions c. Stock-taking of global best practices and lessons learned that are relevant in the Pacific context identifying any potential bottlenecks. d. Assessment of existing institutional and regulatory frameworks e. Demand-driven ICT models for the Pacific f. ICT connectivity road map for the Pacific g. Proposed enabling environment including necessary institutional and regulatory reforms and strategic investment interventions h. Review and recommendation for financing and sustainable management of viable ICT opportunities iii. A catalogue of online resources for key sectors (education, health, public administration, business service, etc.) to be uploaded to SPC website iv. A regional workshop to identify and engage champions from government, private sector and NGOs for broadening ICT use towards better understanding of what benefits to aim for how to make them sustainable, and how to engage community and private sector. 2. Phase 2 i. Identification of feasible ICT interventions with partners' commitments. ii. Feasibility studies examining the needs of target populations, projected demand, appropriate technology, value added services that can be delivered, with cost and benefits identified, listing existing and potential partners, regulatory and institutional aspects, potential PPP models or other business models, capacity development requirements, specific focus on empowerment of women through technology, etc. iii. Identification of potential business models and in-depth consultations with stakeholders and possible partners. iv. Development of investment proposals. a. Formulate investment projects suitable for consideration for financing by ADB and other development partners including project scope, cost estimates, financing plan, implementation arrangements, and implementation schedule. b. Review existing ICT/Telecom regulations, law, and agreements relevant to the investment plan and identify policy and regulatory conditions required to ensure the viability of the proposed investment projects. Timeframe: 12 months from the approval of TA |
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| Procurement | ||||
| Consulting Services |
International Consultants (15 person-months)
National Consultants (14 person-months) |
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| Responsible ADB Officer |
Gi Soon Song |
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| Responsible ADB Department |
Pacific Department |
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| Responsible ADB Division |
Pacific Operations Division |
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| Executing Agencies |
Secretariat of the Pacific Community |
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| Timetable | ||||
| Concept Clearance | 10 Sep 2009 | |||
| Fact-finding | 02 Nov 2009 to 09 Nov 2009 | |||
| Approval | 27 Nov 2009 | |||
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