The ADB regional workshop on Disbursement and Financial Statement was held at the Convention Centre of the Tanoa International Hotel in Nadi, Fiji for 5 (five) days from the 5th to the 9th of June 2023. The main objective of this workshop is to improve the disbursement and financial management skills of those working on ADB-funded projects.  There were about 80 participants from executing, implementing agencies, and audit offices around the Pacific.

The Samoa Audit Office's Director for Ministries, Projects and Public Accounts, Ms. Paula Tumua-Apelu, participated in this workshop as the representative of the Samoa SAI.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) supports projects in developing member countries that create economic and development impact, delivered through both public and private sector operations, advisory services, and knowledge support Bank (ADB).  ADB funded many projects in the region. They have learned from this workshop the need to follow and comply with the requirements and conditions, especially for the benefit of ADB.  The learning points include an understanding of the compilation of accounts of the project, and the different forms and ways of documentation required by the ADB, especially the financial statements.

Some of the main social experiences from this 5 days training includes; meeting with other participants especially the main officials of ADB, networking with other participants and share experiences, and understanding different approaches of other countries.

Auditing projects is one of the roles undertaken by the MPPA Division. This workshop has taught many lessons to define different processes all the way to the financial statement. It also gains more understanding of the ADB projects and their policies to create more knowledge on setting new possible internal controls to avoid related risks to the disbursement process and other weak areas.

‍