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Fiji has reinforced its regional leadership on climate mobility after hosting representatives from the Government of Palau as part of a peer-to-peer exchange focused on climate mobility and planned relocation. Minister for Environment and Climate Change Lynda Tabuya hosted the delegation on Tuesday in an engagement supported by the International Organization for Migration and the Platform on Disaster Displacement. The exchange focused on practical learning and experience-sharing among Pacific governments confronting climate-related displacement. The meeting builds on Fiji’s recent peer-to-peer engagement with Bangladesh and follows the endorsement of the Pacific Regional Framework on Climate Mobility Implementation Plan 2025–2030. The plan identifies peer-to-peer learning on planned relocation as a priority action for Pacific Island states. During the discussions, representatives from Vanuatu and Palau expressed interest in undertaking a one-week learning mission to Fiji to better understand the country’s experience, systems and lessons learned in planned relocation. Tabuya welcomed the engagement and reaffirmed Fiji’s commitment to working with regional and international partners to strengthen climate mobility responses across the Pacific. She noted that peer-to-peer cooperation enables Pacific nations to learn directly from one another’s experiences, challenges and solutions, reinforcing regional ownership of climate mobility initiatives. The engagement forms part of ongoing cooperation between Fiji and Palau as Fiji continues to expand collaboration on climate mobility and planned relocation across the region. The Pacific Regional Framework on Climate Mobility, endorsed at the 52nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Rarotonga in 2023, provides guidance for Forum governments, communities, non-state actors and partners to support climate-related movement in a culturally appropriate and inclusive manner.

Lion One Metals Limited  has entered into a subscription agreement with Arete Capital Advisory Pty Ltd, a specialist mining investment syndicate, marking a major strategic partnership for the company’s Tuvatu Gold Mine in Fiji. Under a non-brokered private placement, Arete has agreed to acquire 44,264,800 units at $0.34 per unit, generating gross proceeds of $15.05 million for Lion One. Each unit comprises one common share and one common share purchase warrant, exercisable at $0.39 for three years. The investment represents approximately 9.9 per cent of Lion One’s outstanding shares on a pro forma basis and carries a 16.4 per cent premium to the 20-day volume-weighted average price on the TSX Venture Exchange. The arrangement also establishes a broader strategic collaboration. Upon closing, Lion One and Arete will enter an investor rights agreement and a master services agreement. Arete will provide management services for the operation of the Tuvatu Gold Mine, acting as operator under the oversight of Lion One’s board of directors. The master services agreement has an initial five-year term, with extension options, and includes performance incentives and share-based compensation. Lion One Chairman and President Walter Berukoff said the partnership strengthens the company’s growth prospects. "I look forward to welcoming Arete as a new shareholder and strategic partner of Lion One," Berukoff said. "Arete’s decision to make a cornerstone investment in the Company reflects the quality, scale potential and strategic relevance of our Tuvatu Gold Mine in Fiji. With the benefit of Arete’s technical engagement through the MSA, Lion One will be positioned to systematically advance Tuvatu and build long-term value for shareholders." Campbell Olsen, representing Arete, said the investment reflects the mine’s potential. "We are delighted to become a long‑term strategic partner to Lion One at this pivotal stage in the evolution of the Tuvatu Gold Mine," Olsen said. "In our view, Tuvatu is a rare, high‑grade alkaline gold system with district‑scale potential, established infrastructure and a pipeline of targets across the broader Navilawa Caldera that together offer a compelling platform for production growth and resource expansion. We see many investment options and projects globally every year and we believe this ranks amongst the best opportunities ever reviewed." Olsen added that Arete’s experience in operational, technical and financial management of mid-tier gold assets will help unlock incremental value at Tuvatu through disciplined mine optimisation, targeted capital investment and data-driven exploration. Proceeds from the offering will be used for general corporate purposes and to support debt restructuring. The closing of the placement remains subject to regulatory approvals, including conditional approval from the TSX Venture Exchange, and the issued shares and warrants will be subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day. The Tuvatu Gold Project is a 100 per cent Lion One-owned, high-grade alkaline gold system located on Viti Levu, Fiji, close to Nadi International Airport and port facilities. The project centres on an underground mine and processing plant within the Navilawa Caldera and is being advanced as a low-cost operation with significant potential for production growth and exploration across multiple mineralised zones. Headquartered in North Vancouver, Canada, Lion One Metals operates the Tuvatu Alkaline Gold Project in Fiji. The company’s operations include the underground mine, pilot plant, assay laboratory, and extensive exploration licenses across the Navilawa Caldera. Arete is a specialist mining investment and operating group focused on high-quality mid-tier gold and base metal assets. Led by CEO Campbell Olsen, Arete provides operational, technical and financial expertise to optimise mining assets and deliver long-term shareholder value.

The operator of the PNG LNG Project, ExxonMobil PNG Limited, recently welcomed 75 outstanding ninth-grade girls from five Port Moresby schools for a day of hands-on science experiments, mentorship, and exciting activities designed to spark their curiosity and build their confidence in engineering. Now in its second year in Papua New Guinea, ExxonMobil’s Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day — held at its LNG Plant at Caution Bay — was a resounding success. This year’s theme, “Design Your Future,” encouraged students to imagine the possibilities of a STEM career (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). Supported by 42 passionate employee volunteers from ExxonMobil’s Women in Energy Network, the students explored key engineering concepts and learned directly from Papua New Guinean engineering professionals. ExxonMobil PNG Chairman and Managing Director Dinesh Sivasamboo visited the students during their practical sessions and was impressed by both their enthusiasm and teamwork. “It’s great to see that even though you’ve come from different schools, you have quickly made new friends and learned to work together effectively as a team to solve real-world problems. These are important skills and experiences that will help you excel in your lives and your careers,” Sivasamboo said. “Papua New Guinea’s energy future looks quite bright, so there will be opportunities for students like you throughout our industry. I hope you will continue to apply yourselves to your studies so that you might join us as engineers one day,” he concluded. Students expressed their gratitude and excitement about the experience, saying it opened their eyes to new possibilities in engineering. “I didn’t think much about taking on engineering, but after today, I might have a change of mind,” said Zillar Naku Pa’aka from Gordon Secondary School. “Once we started the practical activities, I really enjoyed it.” “I really enjoyed the electrical engineering activity with the circuit boards,” added Sylvia Mero from Jubilee Catholic Secondary School. “When the lights lit up, it felt like it lit something in me. I think after today, I’d like to become an engineer.” The students represented Gordon Secondary School, Charles Lwanga Secondary School, Jubilee Secondary School, Bavaroko Junior High School, and Ororo Junior High School. The day concluded with lunch at the Plant site mess and a small gift pack for each participant to take home. ExxonMobil PNG is proud to help inspire the next generation of innovators by empowering more girls to dream big and engineer boldly.

Remote health facilities across Vanuatu are now safer, brighter, and better equipped, following the completion of all planned solar installations under the Australian Government-funded REnew Pacific program. Respond Global’s HELPR-1 team completed the project in record time, delivering Vanuatu’s first fully operational REnew Pacific project since the program launched in March 2025. The initiative, carried out in partnership with Vanuatu’s National Green Energy Fund, installed 20 new off-grid solar systems and refurbished 20 existing systems across all six provinces. The final installation was completed at Mamalu Vanua Dispensary in Naviso, which had never before had proper electrification. HELPR-1 now provides reliable solar power to some of Vanuatu’s most remote clinics and hospitals, improving healthcare access for more than 80,000 people. Australian High Commissioner to Vanuatu, Max Willis, described the project as “an early Christmas present for remote communities.” “As one of the first REnew Pacific projects to start and the first to finish, HELPR-1 shows the strength of the Vanuatu-Australia partnership,” he said. “These systems strengthen local health services, ensure vital equipment can operate when needed, and help communities overcome the challenges of distance and isolation.” The project delivered upgrades tailored to each facility, including energy-efficient lighting, battery systems, water pumps, and priority medical equipment. Facilities such as Quatvaes Hospital and Saramauri Health Centre can now operate x-ray machines, ultrasounds, and other diagnostic tools for the first time. Local health workers were trained to maintain the new systems, ensuring long-term reliability. Dr Basil Leodoro, Director of HELPR-1 Operations at Respond Global, said: “When the power is stable, care is safer. This work means more emergencies handled on site, safer deliveries for mothers and babies, and greater confidence for our health workers every day.” REnew Pacific is the Australian Government’s $75 million program to expand off-grid renewable energy in rural and remote communities across the Pacific and Timor-Leste. It is part of the $350 million Pacific Climate Infrastructure Financing Partnership (PCIFP) and is implemented by Palladium through the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP).

The Agriculture Investment for Markets and Nutrition (AIM-N) Project successfully conducted a Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Induction Capacity Building Training yesterday at St Barnabas Cathedral Leaf Hat Melanesian Haus, aimed at enhancing inclusive agricultural extension and service delivery in Isabel, Western, and Choiseul provinces. The one-day training brought together officers from the Ministry of Agriculture, AIM-N staff, extension officers, and partner organisations, highlighting a shared commitment to delivering agricultural services that are productive, equitable, and responsive to the needs of all Solomon Islanders. In her remarks, AIM-N Project Manager Samantha Maeke emphasised the importance of integrating GESI into all aspects of agricultural programming. “GESI is not an add-on or a donor requirement. It is about how we plan our activities, engage communities, deliver extension services, collect data, and measure success,” she said. Maeke noted that women make up a significant proportion of the agricultural workforce in the Solomon Islands, while youth represent the future of food systems. Persons with disabilities and other marginalised groups, however, continue to face barriers in accessing land, finance, extension services, markets, and decision-making spaces. Addressing these challenges is central to the AIM-N Project’s approach to sustainable agricultural development. The training aimed to: Strengthen participants’ understanding of national GESI frameworks, including gender, youth, and disability policies; Build a shared understanding of the AIM-N Project GESI Strategy and its application at community and field levels; and Encourage practical reflection on inclusive extension and service delivery in daily work. Participants actively engaged in discussions, shared field experiences, and identified practical actions to improve inclusion in agricultural programming. The AIM-N Project reaffirmed its commitment to supporting GESI integration as a core component of achieving improved nutrition outcomes, resilient rural livelihoods, and sustainable agricultural development in the Solomon Islands. The training is expected to foster stronger institutional collaboration and a renewed commitment to inclusive planning and service delivery.

Road upgrade works in parts of Fiji are being supported through climate finance secured under the Duavata Partnership between the Governments of Fiji and New Zealand. In November 2023, Fiji and New Zealand signed the Country Flexible Finance Partnership Arrangement, providing FJD 27.6 million in budget support for climate-principal projects. These projects, which have a strong focus on climate change response, directly support the implementation of Fiji’s Climate Change Act. The funds were received in January 2024 and channelled through the national budget to Ministries and Agencies to deliver climate-resilient infrastructure and services across the country. Across three financial years, five climate-principal projects were supported in 2023–2024, five projects in 2024–2025, and 13 projects have been identified for 2025–2026. As part of this process, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, in consultation with the Ministry of Finance, allocated FJD 3.5 million to the Fiji Roads Authority in 2024–2025 to strengthen the climate resilience of key road infrastructure. Of this, FJD 2 million was used for capital upgrade works at several locations, including the South Coastal Road at the Holy Cross College frontage in Wairiki, the South Coastal Road at the South Taveuni Primary School frontage, Biana Road, Nabukelevu Road, and sections of roads in Sigatoka, Nadi, Ba and Tavua. Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Lynda Tabuya, who serves as the Pacific Political Champion on Climate Finance, said she will continue to advocate for climate finance that is accessible, flexible and directly responsive to the needs of Pacific communities. “This is a clear example of how climate finance is being translated into practical improvements that protect communities, schools and critical transport links from increasing climate impacts,” Hon. Tabuya said. The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change continues to work closely with development partners and national agencies to ensure that climate finance delivers real benefits to the people of Fiji.

As part of a major push to revive its international tourism sector, New Caledonia unveiled a comprehensive recovery plan aimed at welcoming at least 250,000 tourists by 2032. Christopher Gygès, a member of the government in charge of economic attractiveness, presented the plan on Wednesday in Nouméa alongside local partners. Following a crisis in 2024, Gygès said New Caledonia now has a historic opportunity to reinvent itself and build a tourism industry that drives economic diversification. “New Caledonia must move forward today despite the difficulties. Moving forward together, with public and private actors, shows that our plan is both ambitious and realistic, enabling the creation of wealth in New Caledonia—something we urgently need at the moment,” Gygès said. The territory aims to more than double its pre-pandemic performance, building on the 126,000 tourists welcomed in 2023, excluding cruise passengers. The recovery strategy focuses on transforming New Caledonia’s tourism DNA: moving upmarket, diversifying offerings, and targeting high-value-added markets. Key elements of the plan include: Boosting international promotion: The government plans to increase the promotion budget from 250 million to at least 400 million francs, with additional revenue from cruise and Airbnb taxes, aiming to reach nearly 700 million francs by the end of 2026 and one billion francs over time. Restoring confidence and visibility: Joint campaigns with provinces, airlines, hoteliers, and tour operators will target Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. Measures include attractive “flight + accommodation” packages, hosting a major audiovisual production from 2026, and creating a New Caledonian excellence label promoting premium, environmentally sustainable services. Improving air connectivity: Proactive pricing, new airline routes, monthly charter flights to Japan from 2026, and competitively priced transport-accommodation packages are planned to enhance access. Diversifying tourism activities: Initiatives include positioning New Caledonia as a Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) destination, promoting sports tourism such as sailing and golf, and developing a calendar of economic, cultural, and sporting events. Supporting accommodation and investment: The government will restart hotel construction and renovation with financial incentives, promote diversified lodging such as eco-lodges and homestays, and establish tourist free zones to attract investment. Skills development and employment: Training programs in hospitality, food services, culture, and leisure will be expanded to ensure high-quality service, while promoting local know-how and culture. A new tourism brand will replace the current “Pacifique au cœur” identity through a public consultation involving residents and tourism professionals, aiming to better represent New Caledonia internationally. Coinciding with the announcement, the destination welcomed two new hotels. Hotel Wadra Bay opened in December, and the luxury beachfront Aqualuna hotel will open in April 2026. Domestic flight operations will transfer to La Tontouta International Airport from 2 March, improving connectivity and modernising infrastructure. Gygès concluded, “The tourism sector represents a genuine industry of the future. Through coordinated action between public and private stakeholders, New Caledonia can achieve its ambitious goals and ensure sustainable growth, jobs, and international visibility for the territory.”

Authors: Dentons Matt Coleman — Partner, Construction, Melbourne (bio link) Wavie Kendino Leki — Partner and Head of Office, Port Moresby (bio link) Steve Patrick — Partner, Commercial/Corporate, Port Moresby (bio link) Ian Clarke, OBE — Special Counsel and Consultant, Corporate, Sydney (bio link)   Executive Summary The Pacific Quality Infrastructure Principles (PQI), endorsed by Pacific leaders in 2021, set out a bold vision for infrastructure that is resilient, inclusive, and locally led. At the 2025 Pacific Infrastructure Conference in Brisbane, that vision was tested and, in many cases, realised. Across dozens of sessions, case studies, and bilateral dialogues, the region’s governments, contractors, financiers, and communities demonstrated how the PQI are being embedded in practice. The following sections explore how the PQI are being operationalised across the Pacific, drawing on examples from infrastructure planning, procurement reform, climate finance, and delivery models. It also considers the legal architecture that enables and scales these efforts, positioning the law as a foundational enabler of PQI implementation and supporting high-quality infrastructure across the region. Local Content and Workforce Development — From Policy to Practice   The PQI’s first principle — that infrastructure should build local capacity beyond physical assets — is increasingly being realised across the Pacific. The shift from participation to empowerment is evident in how governments, chambers of commerce, and contractors are rethinking delivery models. In Tuvalu, the Chamber of Commerce has articulated a clear vision for infrastructure that leaves behind skills, not just structures. With a small but resilient workforce and growing interest in trades and entrepreneurship, Tuvalu is seeking partnerships that embed training, subcontracting, and supply-chain inclusion. Similar sentiments were expressed by Niue, Kiribati and the Federated States of Micronesia, where local businesses are eager to participate in logistics, catering, and construction. Fiji’s Commerce and Employers’ Federation (FCEF) highlighted a workforce of more than 300,000, with 17,000 annual graduates and a proven track record in delivering donor-funded projects. FCEF is actively connecting contractors with skilled tradespeople, suppliers and workforce development partners — demonstrating that local engagement is not only a social benefit but also a commercial advantage. Contractors are responding. Reeves Envico’s work in Kiribati includes training women in carpentry, painting, and site administration. Hatanga’s partnership with BY Group in Solomon Islands is delivering projects with 90% local procurement and workforce participation. Hall Contracting’s wharf project in Nui, Tuvalu, overcame extreme remoteness and corrosive conditions through pre-planning, prefabrication, and local labour mobilisation. Collectively, these examples illustrate that local content is no longer merely a compliance requirement — it is a strategic imperative. However, scaling these efforts requires legal frameworks that embed local participation into procurement, contracting, and performance management. This includes: mandating local labour quotas in public procurement structuring joint ventures with local firms recognising local training and certification pathways embedding local content into bid evaluation criteria Climate Resilience and Lifecycle Planning — Infrastructure That Endures   The PQI place climate resilience at the heart of infrastructure planning and delivery. In a region where rising seas, cyclones, and extreme weather events are lived realities, resilience is not a luxury — it is a necessity. At the 2025 Pacific Infrastructure Conference, this principle was demonstrated through a diverse array of projects, strategies, and institutional reforms. One of the most compelling examples came from Samoa, where the Green Ports Initiative has transformed Apia Port into a model of climate-smart infrastructure. Supported by the Asian Development Bank and technical experts from Haskoning, the initiative delivered 42 targeted upgrades across five domains: environmental management, operational efficiency, disaster preparedness, climate resilience, and social sustainability. Upgrades included solar PV installations, smart lighting, rainwater harvesting, and electrification of port operations. The initiative also produced a Green Ports Policy, a Practice Manual, and a Multi-Hazard Preparedness Plan — tools now being replicated in Tonga and Fiji. In the Cook Islands, a quantitative adaptation planning framework was used to assess climate risks to critical assets such as Rarotonga International Airport and Avatiu Harbour. The methodology combined detailed asset-level data with multi-hazard modelling of heat stress, sea-level rise, storm surge and extreme rainfall. The result was a set of adaptation scenarios ranging from business-as-usual to maximum protection, each evaluated through multi-criteria analysis. This evidence-based approach now informs national infrastructure strategies and investment prioritisation. The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) has also made significant strides. Entura, the consulting arm of Hydro Tasmania, has worked across all four states to deliver renewable energy projects aligned with FSM’s nationally determined contributions under the Paris Agreement. These included solar and battery energy storage systems (BESS), disaster-proof generation equipment and feasibility studies for future investments. Entura’s work is notable for integrating climate risk assessments, stakeholder engagement and capacity building. In Papua New Guinea (PNG), the Resilient Infrastructure Guide — developed by the Economic and Social Infrastructure Program (ESIP) with the Government of PNG — provides a comprehensive framework for embedding resilience throughout the infrastructure lifecycle. It outlines principles for climate risk assessment, stakeholder alignment and whole-of-life value, with practical tools for integrating resilience into procurement, design, construction and maintenance. Case studies from Lae Market and Metoreia Health Centre illustrate how resilience can be built into materials selection, ventilation systems, water harvesting and maintenance planning. Together, these initiatives reflect a regional shift from reactive adaptation to proactive resilience. Infrastructure is no longer designed solely for functionality — it is designed for durability. This shift requires governments to embed resilience into planning codes, procurement criteria and performance standards; donors and financiers to require climate risk integration; and contractors to adopt lifecycle costing and resilience metrics. Community-Led Design and Social Inclusion — Infrastructure That Reflects Local Realities   The PQI emphasise that infrastructure must be designed not simply for communities, but with them. Community-led design is increasingly recognised as essential to ensuring infrastructure is inclusive, sustainable and fit for purpose. At the 2025 Pacific Infrastructure Conference, this principle was demonstrated through various projects across the region. In Solomon Islands, the Buala Market project shows how infrastructure can be shaped by local needs. Community input informed layout, access, and functionality, resulting in a facility that supports local livelihoods, enhances food security and strengthens social cohesion. Climate-resilient design features mitigate flood risk and support long-term maintenance. In Kiribati, the redevelopment of Betio Hospital’s maternal and children’s wing was guided by principles of simplicity, durability and cultural appropriateness. The design prioritised ease of cleaning, passive ventilation and family congregation spaces, all informed by local consultation. The project also created employment opportunities for women in skilled trades. The Hatanga–BY Group partnership in Solomon Islands further demonstrates community-embedded delivery models. Their work in Temotu Province involved local engineers in geotechnical investigations, concrete mix design and prefabrication. The model — combining Australian certifications with Solomon Islands labour and logistics — is now being scaled to Tuvalu, Vanuatu and Honiara. Workforce inclusion is also being advanced through the IFC’s Meri Save Trades program, which helps firms recruit and retain women in construction. Support includes inclusive recruitment guidance, gender-sensitive workplace policies, appropriately fitted PPE and menstrual health accommodations. Participating firms report improved retention, productivity and workplace culture. Reeves Envico’s training programs in Kiribati include forklift certification, Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) workshops and career development pathways — all embedded into project delivery rather than treated as add-ons. From a legal perspective, community-led design requires frameworks that go beyond consultation. Governments must embed inclusive design principles into planning codes, procurement templates and performance standards. Contractors must demonstrate how projects reflect community needs and support social outcomes. Donors and financiers must integrate social safeguards into funding agreements. Community-led design is ultimately about co-creation. It recognises that infrastructure is not neutral — and that its design, delivery and operation must reflect the values and aspirations of the people it serves. Governance, Standards and Procurement Reform — Enabling Quality Delivery   The PQI call for governance frameworks that support quality outcomes. This includes the legal architecture of procurement and contracting, as well as the technical standards, institutional capacity and performance management systems that underpin infrastructure delivery. Across the Pacific, governments and regional bodies are strengthening these foundations. The South Pacific Engineers Association (SPEA) is leading efforts to harmonise engineering standards across PNG, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Cook Islands and Vanuatu. Its partnership with Engineering New Zealand (ENZ) and New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) aims to provide online access to New Zealand and Australian design codes, expand continuing professional development (CPD) pathways, and create accreditation routes for technicians and engineers. These initiatives enable regional labour mobility and ensure consistent infrastructure quality. In PNG, the Business Council is advocating for reforms to streamline procurement, clarify public-private partnership (PPP) guidelines and digitise permitting systems. Technical working groups on macroeconomics, ESG, revenue and infrastructure are producing policy papers feeding into government-business consultative forums that align public and private priorities. In Tonga, the National Transport Research Organisation (NTRO) is implementing a Strategic Transport Infrastructure Advisory Program across six islands. It includes surveying 500 km of roads, inspecting six airports and developing asset management systems, laboratory certification, training programs and sustainability analysis aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. NTRO’s approach provides a model for embedding technical advisory in national planning. These efforts demonstrate that governance is not only about rules — it is about capability. Legal frameworks must support standards harmonisation, procurement reform and institutional strengthening. This includes: drafting procurement laws that embed the PQI creating bid evaluation criteria that reward quality, resilience and inclusion establishing independent infrastructure commissions or technical panels aligning national standards with international benchmarks (e.g. ISO, IEC, ASTM) Financing and Delivery Models — Matching Vision with Resources   SPEA’s work to harmonise engineering standards and expand accreditation pathways is essential to enabling regional mobility and technical consistency. Regional integration also requires legal frameworks that support mutual recognition, cross-border procurement and trade facilitation. This includes: drafting mutual recognition agreements for engineering and construction professionals creating regional procurement platforms and standardised tender documents aligning customs and logistics regulations to support infrastructure delivery supporting regional infrastructure corridors (e.g. undersea cables, aviation agreements) Conclusion: From Principles to Practice   The PQI are no longer aspirational — they are being embedded in the region’s infrastructure landscape through community-led design, climate-resilient planning and inclusive delivery models. The 2025 Pacific Infrastructure Conference showcased a region that is not only committed to these principles but actively shaping its future around them. To sustain momentum, Pacific governments, development partners and the private sector must now focus on institutionalising these gains. This means embedding the PQI into legislation, procurement systems and performance frameworks — not as optional guidelines, but as core requirements. Legal frameworks will determine whether tomorrow’s infrastructure reflects today’s values. In the Pacific, those values are clear: resilience, inclusion and regional solidarity. The challenge now is to translate these values into enforceable standards, scalable models and enduring partnerships. The PQI agenda is not just about building infrastructure — it is about building trust, opportunity and shared prosperity. From principles to practice, the journey continues. For more information, visit the Pacific Quality Infrastructure Principles online.

Pacific Towing (PacTow) has successfully refloated the grounded Coral Expeditions cruise vessel Coral Adventurer (IMO 9838644). The refloating operation was completed on the afternoon of December 30, 2025, near Dregerhafen, approximately 65 miles north-east of Lae, Papua New Guinea. Following the vessel’s grounding, Pacific Towing was engaged to lead the salvage and recovery operation. The successful outcome was achieved through prompt and professional coordination between the crew onboard Coral Adventurer and shore-based support teams from Coral Expeditions, the National Maritime Safety Authority (NMSA), and Pacific Towing. Pacific Towing’s diving and salvage specialists coordinated the refloating operation, with support from the PacTow tug Langila (IMO 9018933). “We are very pleased with the result of this operation,” said Gerard Kasnari, General Manager of Pacific Towing. “Our rapid response and the strong teamwork demonstrated by all parties ensured a safe and efficient refloat, while maintaining safety, the integrity of the vessel and protection of the marine environment as our top priorities," he added. Pacific Towing is Papua New Guinea’s and Melanesia’s market leader in marine services and salvage, with operations extending across the broader region. The company has been operating for nearly 50 years and is a full member of the International Salvage Union (ISU) and the International Spill Control Organisation (ISCO). Pacific Towing provides marine services to both upstream and downstream oil and gas clients, as well as a wide range of other industry sectors. The company owns and operates a fleet of 21 vessels and maintains its own Australian-trained and certified commercial dive team. Employing more than 200 people, of whom 97 per cent are national employees, Pacific Towing is committed to workforce development and diversity. The company partners with the Australian Government on female cadetship training programmes. With operations across Papua New Guinea’s major ports and in the Solomon Islands, Pacific Towing is headquartered in Port Moresby at its dedicated tug base and HACCP-certified camp. The company is ISO certified to international standards ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001.

Fiji’s business community came together in grand style on Saturday, November 29, at the Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort for the 33rd Prime Minister’s International Business Awards (PMIBA) 2025, drawing over 700 guests for an elegant gala recognising the nation’s top-performing companies. Organised by Investment Fiji and supported by sponsors including major sponsor FIJI Water, the awards celebrated excellence across 18 categories, recognising achievements in sectors ranging from manufacturing, agriculture, tourism and services to innovation and export. A total of 18 winners were honoured, reflecting the diversity and dynamism of Fiji’s business landscape. The awards, themed “Navigating Global Winds – Resilience, Innovation and Sustainable Growth,” highlighted companies demonstrating exceptional performance, sustainable practices, and a commitment to innovation despite global economic challenges. Attendees included business leaders, industry partners, government representatives and stakeholders, who praised the event as a platform that celebrates resilience, growth, and competitiveness in both local and international markets. Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Civil Service & Public Enterprise, Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka, Member of Parliament Hon. Manoa Kamikamica, the Chief Guest, emphasised the critical role of the private sector in Fiji’s economic future. “Fiji’s private sector remains a vital driver of our economy, creating jobs, boosting exports and supporting diversification. With 212 investment projects worth over $6.2 billion in the pipeline and foreign direct investment forecasted to grow by 23%, this reflects strong confidence in the stability and direction of our economy,” Hon. Kamikamica said. Investment Fiji Chair Ms. Jenny Seeto highlighted the quality of entries, noting over 200 applications were received this year. “The calibre of entries reflects the strength and ambition of Fiji’s business sector. I congratulate all our winners and finalists, and sincerely thank our sponsors whose support forms the backbone of these awards,” she said. FIJI Water Associate Vice President Susie Waqanibaravi added, “FIJI Water is proud to support a platform that recognises business excellence and the leaders driving Fiji forward. We extend our warmest congratulations to Rosie Holidays as the Supreme Award winner, as well as all other category winners. Vinaka vakalevu to Investment Fiji for delivering another remarkable celebration of business achievement.” Key Category Winners: Supreme Award (FIJI Water): Rosie Holidays Premier Large Business Operating Internationally (BSP Financial Group Limited): Fiji Airports Ltd Premier Medium Business Operating Internationally (Westpac Fiji): Vuvale Outsourcing Pte Ltd Premier Small Business Operating Internationally (DHL Express Fiji): Bula Coffee Excellence in Innovation (Swire Shipping): DUCO Consultancy Pte Ltd Excellence in E-Commerce Transformation (HFC Bank): Fiji Airways Best Sustainability Initiative (Tropik Wood Industries Ltd): Waste Recyclers (Fiji) Ltd Employer of the Year (Fiji National Provident Fund): Motibhai & Company Ltd Excellence in Service (Tower Insurance): Rosie Holidays Executive of the Year (Telecom Fiji): Mesake Nawari – Fiji Airports Ltd Excellence in Outsourcing (Vodafone Fiji): KPMG Advisory (Fiji) Pte Ltd – Fiji Dynamic Delivery Centre Excellence in Fisheries (Reserve Bank of Fiji): Pacific Fishing Company Ltd Excellence in Agribusiness Innovation (Ministry of Agriculture & Waterways): Food Processors (Fiji) Pte Ltd Excellence in Forestry (Ministry of Forestry): Tropik Wood Industries Ltd Excellence in Yasana (Provincial) Aspiration (iTaukei Executive Forum): Rewa Provincial Holding Company Ltd Recognition Awards: Jay Singh – Crowne Plaza Nadi Bay Resort & Spa, Damodar North Pte Ltd, Tappoo Group of Companies The PMIBA remains one of Fiji’s most prestigious business accolades, reaffirming the partnership between government and the private sector in building a resilient, innovative, and sustainable economy. The evening served as both a celebration of past achievements and an inspiration for continued excellence in the years ahead.