Opinion: Australia’s questionable move on Pacific infrastructure investment

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Recent announcements by Australia’s Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, about infrastructure development in the Pacific are troubling, says Stephen Howes, Director of the Development Policy Centre at the Australian National University.

Australia announces A$3 billion Pacific Infrastructure Bank package

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The Australian Government has announced plans to set up an infrastructure bank as part of a A$3 billion suite of measures aimed at countering China’s influence in the southwest Pacific and lifting its own engagement in the region. Regional analysts say the funds need to go to Micro, Small to Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), as well as SMEs, and for small projects in remote areas.