Australia, Vanuatu strengthen economic ties at 7AVBF
The 7th Australia Vanuatu Business Forum, held from 12–13 March 2025 at the Warwick Le Lagon Hotel, marked a significant advancement in bilateral economic relations. The event brought together business leaders, policymakers, and industry specialists to explore...
Australia reallocates aid to Indo-Pacific amid global shifts
Australia is stepping up its aid commitments to the Indo-Pacific region, redirecting resources and reshaping its development strategy in response to significant cuts in U.S. foreign assistance. The move comes as the Albanese Government prepares to navigate a shifting...
Fiji moves forward with National Digital ID to enhance security
The development of Fiji’s National Digital ID System has taken a significant step forward with the inaugural meeting of the National Identification (ID) Steering Committee in Suva on 26 February 2025. The initiative aims to establish a secure, unified, and inclusive...
New aircraft set to modernise Air Niugini fleet
Air Niugini has embarked on a transformative re-fleeting programme valued at approximately NZ$2 billion—the most substantial investment in its 52-year history. This strategic initiative, spanning from 2025 to 2028, aims to modernise the airline’s fleet, enhance...
UK’s Pacific Business Club launches in Australia
The Australian arm of the UK Government’s Pacific Business Club was launched last month – a timely and strategic initiative designed to support the development of Pacific Island Countries by leveraging the strength and experience of UK-headquartered companies....
AFBC, Investment Fiji to launch definitive Trade & Investment guide for 2025
The Australia Fiji Business Council and Investment Fiji have announced the launch of the Fiji Trade & Investment Review 2025, a comprehensive annual publication aimed at equipping businesses and investors with key insights into Fiji’s economic landscape. Designed...
Access to Business Funding Bill aims to strengthen SMEs
The Fijian Parliament is currently reviewing the Access to Business Funding Bill, a legislative initiative designed to address long-standing challenges faced by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in securing financial support. The bill, introduced by the Minister for...
Concern as Solomon Islands goods flood Bougainville
A recent surge of goods entering Bougainville from the Solomon Islands has sparked significant economic and regulatory concerns. Products ranging from food items to clothing are flooding markets in towns like Arawa and Buin, often bypassing official taxation channels....
East Micronesia cable project reaches key milestone
The East Micronesia Cable (EMC) project has reached a major implementation milestone, with the first of four cable landing stations installed in Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). The project, which will significantly enhance internet speed, reliability...
New town development plan offers investment opportunities
The Fijian government has launched the New Town Development Programme, an ambitious initiative designed to reduce congestion in existing urban centres while promoting economic activity in less developed regions. The programme forms a key part of Fiji’s long-term...
Promising signs in PNG’s economic recovery: IMF
Papua New Guinea’s economic landscape is exhibiting promising signs of recovery, as highlighted by the International Monetary Fund’s recent assessments. The nation’s economic growth is projected to reach 4.5 per cent in 2024, up from 2.9 per cent in 2023, buoyed by...
ADB, Kina Bank forge trade finance partnership
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Kina Bank Limited have signed a trade finance agreement to bolster international trade in Papua New Guinea (PNG). This partnership enables ADB’s Trade Finance Program (TFP) to provide a credit guarantee facility supporting up to $4...