Released Date - February 08, 2010 PAC – ECONOMY: RADAUS                              PACNEWS BIZ: Mon 08 Feb 2010   ANZ optimistic on Pacific outlook   08 FEBRUARY 2010 SUVA (RADIO AUSTRALIA) ---- The ANZ Bank's Asia-Pacific head says he is optimistic about the Pacific Islands ability to respond to the global economic crisis. The ANZ's Asia-Pacific Chief Executive Officer, Alex Thursby, has just returned from a six-nation trip to the region, and sees a positive outlook for most countries. He said the Pacific has been insulated from the crisis mainly because Australian tourists have kept coming and because of the region's connection with Asia. “The large influx of Asian businesspeople, Asian trade connectivity and now also Asian investment during the period of the crisis really didn't slow things down in the Pacific,” he said. Mr Thursby said the high levels of skill in Pacific central banks and the outward looking approach of investment agencies bodes well for the region's future….PNS (ENDS)