Deep-sea mining debate divides island nations
The Pacific Islands Forum has recently seen a heated debate over the issue of deep-sea mining, highlighting a significant divide among its member countries. The discussion centers on whether to allow mining companies to extract metals from the seabed, a move...
Albanese, Manele forge stronger Australia-Solomons ties
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese welcomed Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele to Canberra on June 26, for his first international visit as Prime Minister. This significant meeting, the first between the two leaders in their current roles, comes...
A$14.7m trade development grant for Pacific Islands Forum
The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) has announced a significant development in its trade advancement efforts, securing a transformative A$14.7 million (US$9.67 million) grant agreement with the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). This...
Fiji Budget a comprehensive approach to stability and growth
The Fiji Government’s 2024-25 budget seeks to strike a balance between reducing the country’s deficit and debt while supporting economic growth and public infrastructure improvements. The theme, ‘An Economically Stable, Secure, and Sustainable Fiji,’ underscores the...
Pacific trade survey reveals resurgence of exports
Earlier this year, Pacific Trade Invest (PTI) Australia invited exporters across the Pacific to participate in the Pacific Islands Export Survey 2024. The survey, conducted biennially, provides crucial insights into the activities, challenges, and opportunities faced...
Pacific trade survey reveals resurgence of exports
Earlier this year, Pacific Trade Invest (PTI) Australia invited exporters across the Pacific to participate in the Pacific Islands Export Survey 2024. The survey, conducted biennially, provides crucial insights into the activities, challenges, and opportunities faced...
Qantas, Jetstar expand operations to Vanuatu
Qantas and Jetstar have announced plans to introduce up to nine return flights per week between Australia and Vanuatu, with ticket sales having commenced across both airlines. Starting on September 10, 2024, Qantas will operate three weekly flights between Brisbane...
39th Business Forum reaffirms PNG’s economic potential and resilience
The picturesque Gold Coast in Queensland played host to a significant convergence of business minds and political leaders from May 13 to 15, 2024, at the 39th Australia Papua New Guinea Business Forum and Trade Expo. Organised by the Australia Papua New Guinea...
Kina Bank Invests $7 Million in Brisbane fintech startup
Papua New Guinea’s Kina Bank has announced a significant $7 million investment in WLTH, a rapidly growing Queensland-based fintech and neobank startup. This investment aligns with the goals outlined in the Queensland Pacific Trade and Investment Strategy, which was...
Papua New Guinea to receive A$600m loan from Australia
Australia has approved a significant loan of A$600 million (K1.54 billion) to Papua New Guinea to address the country’s 2023 budget shortfall and support essential economic reforms. This financial assistance follows a previous A$750 million loan provided in 2022,...
Promising future for agribusiness investment in PNG
Papua New Guinea is witnessing a significant transformation in its agribusiness sector, driven by soaring global demand for its agricultural products and strategic initiatives to boost local production. Recent developments highlight the enormous potential for...
Pacific Infrastructure Opportunities Conference debuts in Fiji
In May 2024, the Pacific region witnessed a landmark event with the inaugural Pacific Infrastructure Business Opportunities Seminar held in Fiji. The event marked a significant step forward in fostering regional development, bringing together a diverse group of...