The World Bank is looking to increase its presence in the South Pacific nation of Solomon Islands with the setting up of a new office in the capital Honiara, the Suva-based Pacnews reported on Monday.

The World Bank's vice president for East Asia and the Pacific region, James Adams, said the bank has already met with the Solomons' government to discuss its development plans.

A country manager will be appointed to the Honiara office, which Adams said will be operational within several months.

(Xinhua News Agency February 25, 2008)