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PNG DataCo Limited, under the leadership of Chief Executive Officer Paul Komboi, on 28 May has signed a series of strategic agreements with the Morobe Provincial Government (MPG), marking a major milestone in the province’s journey toward becoming Papua New Guinea’s leading digitally enabled sub-national government. The agreements, signed at Parliament House as part of a broader multi-agency programme, include: • A Neutral Host Towers Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) to expand telecommunications access across Morobe Province; and • A Morobe Digital Government Services Platform agreement, including the rollout of an integrated Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system to modernise government operations. Together, these initiatives form the backbone of the Morobe Digital Government Project, a transformative programme designed to improve efficiency, transparency and service delivery for citizens. “Today’s signing represents a significant step forward in our shared vision with the Morobe Provincial Government to deliver inclusive, modern and transparent public services. Through these agreements, DataCo will provide the digital infrastructure and platforms required to support Morobe’s transformation into a leading digital province in Papua New Guinea," Komboi said during the  signing of the agreements. The Digital Government Platform will integrate key government functions — including financial management, procurement, human resource systems and citizen services — into a unified, cloud-enabled ecosystem. In parallel, the Neutral Host Towers initiative will support the rollout of telecommunications infrastructure into underserved and remote areas. By enabling shared access to towers, the model aims to lower infrastructure costs and accelerate network expansion into regions traditionally considered uneconomic to serve. Komboi further emphasised the importance of connectivity in enabling digital transformation across the province, saying that "connectivity is the foundation of digital government." "Through our Neutral Host Tower model, combined with innovative satellite solutions such as Starlink, we will extend reliable internet connectivity to remote districts, schools, health facilities and government offices — ensuring that no community in Morobe is left behind," he said. The inclusion of low Earth orbit satellite connectivity solutions, such as Starlink, will complement terrestrial networks and provide immediate coverage for remote communities outside the DataCo National Transmission Network fibre grid, supporting the full rollout of the Digital Government Platform across the province. DataCo has been working closely with MPG leadership and technology partners to validate the project scope, initiate ICT discovery and align implementation planning, with strong support expressed by provincial leadership for the initiative. “We commend the Morobe Provincial Government and the Governor for their bold leadership and commitment to digital transformation. DataCo is proud to partner in delivering a future-ready platform that will empower communities, strengthen governance and drive sustainable economic development across Morobe Province," Komboi said. The signing forms part of a broader collaboration between MPG and key national institutions, reinforcing a whole-of-government approach to development and innovation. PNG DataCo Limited is Papua New Guinea’s wholesale telecommunications and digital infrastructure provider, responsible for delivering high-capacity connectivity, data centre services and digital platforms to support the country’s economic and digital transformation.

Kalo Gold Corp. says it has completed almost half of a high-resolution airborne magnetic survey at its Vatu Aurum gold project in Fiji, as the company advances exploration targeting across the 367 square kilometre project area on Vanua Levu. The company said 2,764 line-kilometres of the planned 6,212 line-kilometre heli-magnetic survey had been completed as of April 29, with 3,448 line-kilometres remaining. The survey is being flown at 100-metre line spacing, with tighter 50-metre spacing planned over priority target areas to improve structural and geological interpretation across the project. Kalo Gold said favourable weather conditions had supported productive daily flights, with operations focusing on completing tighter grid coverage where conditions allow. The survey is being conducted using a helicopter-mounted tri-sensor magnetometer system capable of collecting total magnetic intensity and horizontal gradient data to better identify subtle structural features and geological contacts. The company expects the remaining survey work to be completed in the coming days, subject to operating conditions and final line spacing requirements. Kalo Gold said the airborne magnetic program forms a key part of its exploration strategy at Vatu Aurum and is expected to improve understanding of the project’s structural framework. The survey aims to support the identification of fault systems and structural corridors, mapping of intrusive bodies and alteration zones, and refinement of drill targets across the Aurum Prime and Wainikoro prospects. Final processed datasets, including magnetic intensity data and geophysical grids, will be integrated with existing geological and geochemical information to support future exploration targeting. The technical information in the update was prepared and approved by Andrew Randell, principal geoscientist of SGDS-Hive and technical director of the Vatu Aurum Project. Kalo Gold is focused on advancing low-sulphidation epithermal gold targets across a northeast-trending corridor extending from Matailabasa to Nayaroyaro on Vanua Levu. The company said previous exploration, including drilling, trenching and soil geochemistry, has identified multiple structurally controlled gold targets across the project.

Fiji’s fuel supply remains stable despite mounting global price pressures, with the government moving to cushion households and key sectors from rising costs, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said. In a national address, Rabuka said Fiji currently holds about 45 million litres of fuel in onshore storage, with a further 22 million litres expected before the end of April, bringing total supply for the month to roughly 67 million litres. Daily consumption stands at about 2.5 million litres. He said stock levels are projected to fall to around 40 million litres, or 29 percent of storage capacity, by month-end — a normal cycle to accommodate incoming shipments. Looking ahead, suppliers have committed to deliver about 118 million litres in May, which is expected to lift national reserves to more than half of total capacity, keeping the country in what authorities classify as a “Phase 1” or normal supply condition. Rabuka stressed that Fiji is not facing a supply shortage but rather a price-driven challenge linked to global market disruptions, including tensions in the Middle East and shipping constraints around the Strait of Hormuz. Domestic price adjustments, he noted, are determined by the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission to reflect international purchasing costs, with another increase expected in May. To mitigate the impact, Cabinet has approved the redeployment of FJ$56 million within the existing 2025–2026 budget, shifting funds from delayed projects to immediate relief measures. The government has earmarked FJ$4 million to support bus operators, including absorbing a 10 percent fare increase for four months and providing a fuel rebate of 20 cents per litre to maintain affordable public transport. Fuel subsidies will also be extended to power utility Energy Fiji Limited to ensure stable electricity generation, while social welfare recipients will receive a temporary 50 percent top-up for three months starting May. In the agricultural sector, FJ$28 million has been allocated to support sugar cane farmers through a price top-up for the 2025 crop season. Rabuka said all measures will be funded through internal budget savings, alongside cost-cutting directives across government agencies. “Fuel is available. Government is acting. And Fiji is prepared,” he said, urging citizens to conserve fuel and energy amid ongoing global uncertainty.

Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown has called for greater financial support for Pacific renewable energy transitions, describing the shift away from imported fuel as an economic security strategy rather than a climate concession. Speaking at the 59th Annual Meeting of the Asian Development Bank, or ADB, in Samarkand, Brown said Pacific Island countries remain highly exposed to global fuel price shocks and supply disruptions due to dependence on imported energy. “The Pacific energy transition is not a climate concession. It is an economic security strategy. The same investments that lower our emissions also lower our exposure to the next global shock,” Brown said in his Governor’s Statement. Brown said the Cook Islands was working closely with the ADB on financing solutions aimed at strengthening energy security and accelerating renewable energy development across Pacific Island countries. “The Cook Islands is working closely with the ADB on financial solutions that support security of supply for Pacific Island countries, and that fast-track our energy transition to renewables,” he said. The prime minister said the financing initiatives would support renewable energy projects across the Pa Enua, including solar farms, battery storage systems and electricity grid upgrades aimed at reducing long-term reliance on imported fuel. Brown also highlighted domestic conservation measures currently underway in the Cook Islands, including coordination work led by the Energy Response Technical Working Group involving government agencies, the tourism sector and communities. “Conservation is a real lever. Every litre saved is fuel for our hospital, our schools, our airports,” he said. During the meeting, Brown urged the ADB to expand innovative financing tools for Pacific small island developing states, including blended finance, climate-linked financing mechanisms and local currency debt conversion measures to reduce exposure to foreign exchange risks. He said concessional financing access for Pacific states should continue to reflect vulnerability to economic and climate shocks rather than income levels alone. “Graduation thresholds were not designed for economies that can lose a year of gross domestic product in a single cyclone, or absorb a global energy shock with no domestic substitute,” Brown said. Brown also welcomed the ADB’s developing work on critical minerals and called for Pacific small island states to be actively included in related initiatives. The prime minister said the Cook Islands currently generates just over 30 percent of its electricity from renewable energy sources and aims to increase that figure to 60 percent by 2030. “We will use this period to push our renewable energy goals harder, not slower,” Brown said.

The Fijian government has imposed a nationwide four-month seasonal ban on the fishing and trade of Kawakawa (grouper) and Donu (coral trout) as part of efforts to protect fish stocks during their peak breeding season. The ban took effect on June 1 and will remain in force until Sept. 30, covering all species of Kawakawa and Donu throughout Fiji. Under the restrictions, the fishing, sale, transport, possession, purchase, export and distribution of the two fish species are prohibited nationwide. According to Fiji's Ministry of Fisheries, the annual measure is designed to allow the species to reproduce during their spawning season, helping maintain healthy fish populations and supporting the long-term sustainability of the country's fisheries sector. Fishers and seafood vendors holding stocks caught before the ban were permitted to sell them only until 11 p.m. on May 31. Any remaining stock must be frozen, properly labeled with the fisher's or vendor's name and the date received, and stored for the duration of the ban. The ministry also requires existing inventories to be reported in writing to the nearest fisheries office by June 1 and made available for inspection. The seasonal closure forms part of Fiji's broader fisheries management strategy aimed at safeguarding marine resources and ensuring sustainable harvest levels for future generations. The Ministry of Fisheries has called on fishers, seafood vendors, exporters and the public to support the initiative, noting that compliance is essential to protecting the country's marine ecosystems and fisheries-dependent livelihoods. Failure to comply with the ban constitutes an offence under Fiji's fisheries regulations and may result in enforcement action by authorities. The restrictions are expected to affect segments of Fiji's domestic seafood trade and export market during the four-month period, while contributing to the replenishment of key commercial reef fish stocks.

New Caledonia has signed the third tranche of a French state-guaranteed loan as part of a broader economic and social restructuring package aimed at restoring public finances and supporting essential services. The agreement was signed on May 29 by French High Commissioner Jacques Billant and New Caledonia government member in charge of the economy and budget Christopher Gygès, in the presence of Thomas de Gubernatis, director of the French Development Agency. The loan forms part of an economic and social restructuring pact launched in February 2026 by the French government. The program provides exceptional state support of nearly 240 billion CFP francs ($2 billion euros) over five years to help revive the economy, improve opportunities for young people and restore public finances in exchange for structural reforms. Under the arrangement, the French state is guaranteeing a loan of more than 44 billion CFP francs (370 million euros) provided by the French Development Agency to New Caledonia. The funds will support the territory's social security system, including health insurance and pension payments, as well as the electricity sector and public services delivered by provincial and municipal authorities. Gygès said the financing would ensure pension payments continue through the end of the year. "Without this sum, thousands of pensioners would not have been paid," he said, adding that New Caledonia is due to receive two installments of 10.7 billion CFP francs in the coming months. According to Gygès, while most of the 44 billion CFP francs will be directed toward pensions, the compulsory health insurance scheme (RUAMM) and the electricity system, part of the funding will also support local governments and investment projects intended to contribute to the territory's economic recovery.

Fiji has enacted its first comprehensive tourism legislation, replacing the Hotel and Guest Houses Act 1973 with a broader regulatory framework aimed at supporting the long-term growth, governance and sustainability of one of the country’s most important economic sectors. The Tourism Bill No. 10 of 2026 was passed into law on May 28, establishing the new Tourism Act 2026, which introduces updated provisions covering tourism enterprise registration, national tourism standards, sustainability and compliance measures, and protections for indigenous and cultural knowledge. The legislation also seeks to strengthen participation by communities and micro, small and medium enterprises in the tourism sector, which remains a major contributor to employment, foreign exchange earnings and rural development in Fiji. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Viliame Gavoka said the new law reflects the transformation of Fiji’s tourism industry over recent decades and aligns with the government’s broader tourism development strategy. “Over the last 20 years, Fiji has doubled its visitor numbers. Our communities are more deeply involved in tourism than ever before, and the expectations of travellers and investors alike have changed significantly. It is time our laws reflected that reality,” Gavoka said. Fiji now receives close to one million visitors annually, supported by a wide network of hotels, resorts, tour operators and community-based tourism experiences, including hiking, camping and short-term accommodation platforms such as Airbnb. The previous legislation governing the sector dated back to the 1970s, when Fiji’s tourism industry was significantly smaller and less diversified. The enactment of the Tourism Act also follows broader government efforts to strengthen tourism and aviation as central pillars of Fiji’s economic development strategy. Earlier this year, Gavoka told Parliament that the ministry’s tourism development approach is guided by the “Five A’s” of tourism growth — access, accommodation, attractions, amenities and actors — aimed at ensuring infrastructure, investment and community participation work together to expand the sector. Among the key initiatives under the strategy is the World Bank-supported Na Vualiku Tourism Development Programme, which seeks to unlock tourism potential in Vanua Levu through airport upgrades, improved infrastructure and expanded opportunities for local businesses. Runway upgrades at Labasa Airport are expected to improve connectivity and boost investor confidence in Fiji’s northern region, while tourism development is also being expanded in maritime and rural areas, including the Lau group. The Tourism Act 2026 also builds on earlier policy work by the government, including the Fiji Tourism Policy 2025–2035 and the Fiji Tourism Standards Framework Guidance Note, which were introduced as part of preparations for Fiji’s first dedicated tourism law. Officials previously said the policy and standards framework would help establish clearer expectations around quality, sustainability, safety and service across the tourism industry while supporting responsible and inclusive growth. The proposed framework is also expected to streamline tourism-related licensing, create greater consistency across regulations and clarify the roles of the Tourism Department and Tourism Fiji. According to the government, the Tourism Act 2026 was developed through consultations with industry representatives, community groups, government agencies and tourism operators across the country. “This legislation did not happen overnight,” Gavoka said. “It was shaped by the voices of communities, operators, and stakeholders from across the country.” The Hotel and Guest Houses Act 1973 will be formally repealed once the new Tourism Act comes into force on a date to be determined by the minister. The government said the new framework is intended to support sustainable tourism development while strengthening industry oversight and aligning the sector with current market expectations and investment trends.

  Since being signed in October 2025, the ‘U.S.-Australia Framework for Securing Supply in the Mining and Processing of Critical Minerals and Rare Earths’ (“Framework”) has gained momentum against the backdrop of intensifying global competition for strategic resources. The initiative reflects a broader structural shift: critical minerals are no longer simply commodities, but are increasingly becoming instruments of economic security, industrial policy and geopolitical leverage. At its core, the Framework seeks to integrate two resource-rich, politically aligned jurisdictions into a more resilient supply chain for minerals essential to defence systems, semiconductors, electric vehicles and clean energy infrastructure. It aims to do so by incentivising cross-border investment, accelerating permitting and facilitating preferential offtake arrangements. From a policy standpoint, the Framework aligns with parallel efforts such as the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act and Australia’s Critical Minerals Strategy, each designed to reduce dependence on concentrated supply sources and to “friend-shore” production capacity. In practical terms, the Framework may unlock access to U.S. government-backed financing, including through the Export-Import Bank of the U.S. and the U.S. Department of Defense’s industrial base programmes, materially improving project bankability. For developers and investors, this signals opportunity. However, history — and recent arbitration trends in the mining sector — suggest a more complex reality: geopolitical stability at the macro level often masks heightened instability at the project level. Indeed, the acceleration of capital deployment, compressed development timelines and increasing politicisation of resource allocation are all well-established catalysts for disputes. Where disputes are likely to emerge 1. Native title and land access pressures A significant proportion of Australia’s critical mineral deposits are located on or near land subject to Indigenous rights and cultural heritage protections. The consultation and consent requirements under the Native Title Act 1993 are rigorous, and for good reason. However, where projects are fast-tracked under strategic imperatives, tensions inevitably arise. Recent experience across the mining sector shows that insufficient consultation or procedural shortcuts can trigger injunctions, heritage disputes and long-tail reputational harm. From a disputes perspective, these conflicts are increasingly hybrid, combining domestic administrative litigation with contractual and investor-State dimensions. 2. Joint venture and offtake fragility in volatile markets Critical minerals projects are capital-intensive and often structured through complex joint ventures and long-term offtake agreements. These arrangements are particularly vulnerable in environments of price volatility and shifting policy incentives. As seen in lithium and rare earth markets over the past five years, divergence between contracted prices and spot markets can become extreme. This creates fertile ground for disputes over: • price review and hardship clauses**;** • force majeure and “change in law” provisions**; and** • operator control and capital allocation decisions. Where projects are strategically significant, these disputes may escalate quickly, with broader political or regulatory implications. 3. Regulatory complexity and judicialisation of approvals Australia’s regulatory landscape, spanning federal regimes such as the Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act and a patchwork of state-based mining and environmental laws, remains inherently complex. The addition of a “strategic project” designation does not eliminate this complexity; it may, in fact, intensify scrutiny. Third parties, including environmental NGOs and local communities, are increasingly sophisticated and willing to challenge approvals through judicial review mechanisms. This trend mirrors developments in other jurisdictions, where expedited approvals tied to energy transition goals have been successfully contested, delaying projects and increasing costs. 4. Export controls and sovereign reallocation risk The Framework itself is non-binding and operates within a fluid geopolitical environment. Export controls, domestic reservation policies or shifts in alliance priorities can materially alter the commercial assumptions underpinning a project. Investors structuring projects around anticipated U.S. demand or preferential access may face realignment risk if political priorities shift. This raises complex questions around: • stabilisation clauses**;** • sovereign interference**; and** • potential recourse under investment treaties. Recent ISDS jurisprudence demonstrates that resource nationalism, particularly in strategic sectors, continues to generate high-value claims, often centred on indirect expropriation and fair and equitable treatment standards. A structural observation: ESG as shield and sword An emerging dynamic worth highlighting is the dual role of ESG considerations. On the one hand, ESG compliance is increasingly positioned as a prerequisite for access to financing and market entry under frameworks like this one. On the other, ESG obligations are being invoked by States as a regulatory justification in disputes. This creates a paradox: ESG can operate both as a shield for States and as a sword for claimants, particularly where regulatory measures are inconsistent, disproportionate or applied retrospectively. Conclusion: Strategic alignment, legal complexity The U.S.-Australia Framework represents a sophisticated attempt to align industrial policy with geopolitical realities. It will likely accelerate investment and unlock significant value across the critical minerals supply chain. But for project developers, investors and financiers, the key takeaway is clear: the risk profile is evolving, not diminishing. Careful attention must be paid to: • contractual risk allocation (particularly around price, force majeure and regulatory change); • dispute resolution mechanisms (including the selection of the arbitral seat, governing law and enforcement strategy); and • the interaction between domestic regulatory frameworks and international investment protections. For project developers, investors, offtake counterparties and financiers active in Australia’s and/or the US’s critical minerals sectors, careful attention should be given to contractual terms in light of the rapidly changing regulatory environment which, in some respects concerning the Framework, remains undefined. In short, the next phase of the critical minerals boom will not only be defined by “big deals”, but also by increasingly complex, high-stakes disputes.   Ryan Cable, Partner (Brisbane), and Diora Ziyaeva, Partner and U.S. Region Co-Lead in Mining and Natural Resources (New York), are members of Dentons’ global International Arbitration and Investment Treaty Arbitration groups. They advise clients across the mining, energy and infrastructure sectors on project development, joint ventures, dispute resolution and regulatory compliance.

Westpac is making a significant investment in strengthening leadership capability across its Pacific businesses with the rollout of its best-in-class LEAD program in Papua New Guinea and Fiji this year, delivering training to 120 employees across the two markets. LEAD is Westpac Group’s flagship leadership development program focused on building future-ready leaders through experiential learning, coaching, and strategic capability uplift. The LEAD program is designed to build practical leadership capability, equipping participants with the skills, confidence, and mindset required to lead teams, support customers, and contribute to Westpac’s long-term success in the Pacific. The program will be delivered through in-person training sessions supported by online modules, ensuring the learning is relevant, grounded in local context, and immediately applicable in day-to-day roles. By delivering the program locally, Westpac is enabling participants to learn alongside peers, strengthen networks across the business, and apply leadership learning directly within their teams and communities. The world-class format also supports deeper engagement, discussion, and reflection, reinforcing Westpac’s commitment to investing in meaningful, high-quality development experiences for its people. The program covers: • Leading Self – building self-awareness, confidence, and personal leadership effectiveness • Leading Others – developing strong people leadership, communication, and coaching skills • Strategic Thinking – strengthening decision-making and broader business understanding • Leading Change – equipping leaders to navigate change and lead with agility • Customer & Outcome Focus – linking leadership behaviors to customer and business outcomes • Pacific Context Application – applying leadership skills in real-world PNG and Fiji settings Maria Stefanac, Head of People, Pacific, said the LEAD program represents a significant investment in Westpac’s Pacific workforce. “LEAD is a major investment in our people in Papua New Guinea and Fiji. We know that strong leadership is critical to creating a positive culture, delivering for our customers, and building a sustainable business for the future,” Stefanac said. “This program has been designed to support our people to grow as leaders, build confidence in leading others, and develop skills they can apply immediately in their roles. By having Westpac Group trainers deliver the program here in the Pacific, we’re ensuring our leaders benefit from global expertise while learning in a way that is relevant, practical, and grounded in local context," she added. Stefanac said the program also reflects Westpac’s broader commitment to developing talent from within and creating clear pathways for growth and progression. “Investing in leadership capability is an investment in our future. Through LEAD, we are supporting our people to step into leadership roles, strengthen their impact, and continue to serve our customers and communities with confidence," Stefanac said. Westpac Banking Corporation ABN 33 007 457 141. The liability of its members is limited. Westpac is represented in Papua New Guinea by Westpac Bank - PNG - Limited. The LEAD program forms part of Westpac’s ongoing focus on capability building and people development across the Pacific, recognizing that empowered, well-supported leaders play a critical role in driving strong performance, engagement, and customer outcomes. By continuing to invest in programs such as LEAD, Westpac is reinforcing its long-term commitment to its people in Papua New Guinea and Fiji and to building leadership capability that supports sustainable growth across the region.

Customs leaders from 24 Pacific administrations will gather in Fiji this week for the 28th Annual Conference of the Oceania Customs Organisation, focusing on strengthening border security, facilitating trade and supporting economic growth across the region. The conference, to be held from June 2 to 4 under Fiji's chairmanship of the Oceania Customs Organisation, will bring together heads of customs agencies, senior government officials, development partners and international organizations under the theme, "Scaling Up the Commitment of Customs to Protect and Grow our Pasifika Communities." The meeting comes as Pacific nations face increasing pressure from transnational organized crime, shifting trade patterns and growing demands on border management agencies. According to organizers, discussions will focus on enhancing regional cooperation and building customs capabilities to address emerging security and trade challenges. Recent large-scale narcotics seizures across the Pacific have highlighted attempts by organized criminal networks to exploit maritime and aviation routes across the region. Customs administrations also continue to confront risks linked to human trafficking, illicit financial flows, customs fraud, environmental crimes and the smuggling of prohibited goods. OCO Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service, Udit Singh, said customs agencies play a critical role in protecting communities while supporting economic development. "Customs today is far more than a border agency. We are guardians of our communities, facilitators of trade, protectors of government revenue, and partners in economic growth," Singh said. "The work of Customs directly impacts the prosperity, safety, and resilience of our Pacific nations." Singh said Pacific countries, despite being geographically dispersed, face common challenges that require collective action and stronger regional partnerships. "The scale and complexity of modern border threats mean that no country can address these issues alone. Regional cooperation is essential. When one Pacific border is strengthened, the entire region becomes safer and more secure," he said. He noted that the Pacific occupies an increasingly strategic position within global trade and transport networks linking Asia, Australasia and the Americas, making effective customs administration critical to regional and international security. The conference will feature contributions from international partners including the World Customs Organization, the United Nations and the World Bank. Key agenda items include border security, maritime enforcement, trade facilitation, passenger processing, digital transformation, leadership development and intelligence-sharing across Pacific jurisdictions. During Fiji's tenure as OCO chair, the organization has prioritized regional capacity building, leadership development, customs modernization and stronger partnerships with international agencies. Organizers said these initiatives have helped strengthen customs administrations across the Pacific and improve their ability to respond to emerging threats and opportunities. This year's gathering marks the first time in more than a decade that Fiji has hosted the OCO Annual Conference, reflecting the country's continued role in regional customs cooperation. Members of the Oceania Customs Organisation include Papua New Guinea, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Samoa, Tonga, Kiribati, Tuvalu, Nauru, Palau, Timor-Leste and other Pacific jurisdictions.