Fiji, Sept. 3 -- Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Masato Kanda has pledged a new push to connect the Pacific through digital infrastructure, private investment and country-specific development programmes, declaring that the region is "not the edge" of Asia-Pacific but at the centre of ADB's future.

Speaking at a media roundtable on the margins of the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders' Meeting in Koror, Kanda said he deliberately chose Palau for his first meeting with the media following the announcement of his re-election as ADB President.

"This is my first time speaking with the press since the announcement of my re-election.

"So, this is a bit special to me, and I chose to do it here in Palau, in the Pacific. That is deliberat...