Cook Islands Prime Minister Discusses Deep-Sea Minerals for Economic Diversification at ADB Meeting

Cook Islands Prime Minister spoke to CNBC’s Lisa Kim on the sidelines of the Asian Development Bank's 59th Annual Meeting in Uzbekistan, where he outlined plans to leverage deep-sea critical minerals for economic growth. He emphasized that these minerals could play a major role in diversifying the economy beyond tourism, a sector that has long dominated the Pacific nation's revenue.

The meeting, held in Uzbekistan, brought together regional leaders to discuss development priorities amid global economic shifts.

In the interview, the prime minister highlighted the need for regulatory and legislative support from the Asian Development Bank to advance mining initiatives. CNBC reported that he also underscored a balanced approach to global partnerships, aiming to integrate the Cook Islands into broader supply chains without over-reliance on any single ally.

This push comes as small island nations seek sustainable paths forward in a resource-scarce environment.

The Asian Development Bank's 59th Annual Meeting provided the platform for these discussions, focusing on infrastructure and economic resilience in Asia and the Pacific. The prime minister's remarks reflect ongoing efforts to explore undersea resources responsibly, potentially transforming the Cook Islands' fiscal landscape.

As the interview wrapped up, he stressed the importance of collaborative frameworks to ensure equitable benefits from such ventures.