The ANZ Bank has confirmed its commitment with the Solomon Islands by continuing its investment in making banking easier for the people of Solomon Islands.
ANZ's new Chief Executive Officer, Mike Smith, uttered the commitment this morning in a luncheon meeting with business houses and local journalists.Mr. Smith is in the country on a three-day visit to ANZ's operations in Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.
He said that the Pacific is an important market for ANZ and its importance is underscored by the investment that ANZ has made throughout the regions over the past few years.
"The ANZ has helped its customers by opening more branches and introducing new products and services, which delivers more convenient banking for customers, including the addition of 110 ATMs, 1,000 EFTPOS machines and 15 new branches," said Mr. Smith.
He added that Solomon Islands is "one of our most markets in the region and ANZ is committed to continuing to provide Solomon islanders with modern, up-to date banking services and facilities".
Mr. Smith said that the refurbished Panatina branch is also providing customers with a state-of-the-art branch, equal to any other in the ANZ network.
"There are now 11 branches and 14 ATM's in the Solomon Islands, which includes bringing banking services to seven provinces," he stated.
He said that the strength of ANZ's business and the size of its operations provided the bank with the opportunity to make a contribution to developing better outcomes for the ANZ's operations in the Pacific.
The ANZ CEO also said that they can play a role in the future development of the region by continuing to invest in programs like rural banking initiative, an initiative that has brought banking to a number of remote Solomon Island communities.
"We do that by working with companies and Governments to facilitate private sector investment and by providing support for new and sustainable industries in the region such as the resources and growing palm oil industries," said Mr. Smith.