This issue of the Pacific Economic Monitor updates the 2016 and 2017 GDP growth and inflation projections ADB's Pacific developing member countries. The theme of the policy briefs in this issue is Fisheries in Pacific Economies.

This issue of the Pacific Economic Monitor updates the 2015 and 2016 GDP growth and inflation projections for ADB's Pacific developing member countries. The policy briefs included in this issue focus on disasters in the Pacific.

This issue highlights the economic prospects of the Pacific developing member countries (Pacific DMCs) and stresses the importance of improving the quality and access to basic and sustainable utilities in the Pacific DMCs. Access to electricity is low in the Pacific, particularly in the more remote and less developed parts of the subregion. Factors contributing to this include dependence on costly fossil fuels for power generation, inadequate investment in infrastructure, and electricity services that may be beyond the means of poorer rural households. To help address these challenges, most Pacific governments are taking steps to shift toward renewable energy and ultimately meet ambitious targets under international climate change commitments. Further, they have made strategic investments in more effi cient transmission networks, and better collection and payment systems.

To help overcome remoteness, Pacific economies are looking to improve economic integration not only through ICT and transport network investments, but also by promoting greater competition and private investment. Enhancing connectivity is crucial to the Pacific and its people, who constantly contend with the challenges of geographic isolation and remoteness. Physical connectivity through air and maritime links brings people, goods, and services to and from the Pacific while digital connectivity through information and communication technology (ICT) integrates the region with the rest of the world. This section tackles Pacific developing member countries' efforts to enhance connectivity by expanding internet and other ICT connections, improving and maintaining transport networks, and strengthening investment facilitation. Ultimately, the goal of connectivity is to link Pacific peoples with each other, and enable them to access goods and important social services, as well as economic opportunities, locally and globally.

This edition of the Pacific Economic Monitor discusses the impacts of COVID-19 and provides an overview of other current economic and development issues in Pacific developing member countries of ADB.

The Pacific's economic outlook remains solid despite the global slowdown. While social development gains in the region have been steady, some big challenges remain. This issue of the Pacific Economic Monitor begins with an overview of international and regional economic developments. It features 13 articles and policy briefs that explore socioeconomic development in the Pacific, particularly on social protection, education, elderly care, health care and health financing, pension schemes, water and sanitation, nutrition, employment, and financial inclusion.

This edition of the Pacific Economic Monitor discusses the outlook for 2021 and key issues for recovery from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) crisis, including vaccine procurement and distribution.