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Fiji has opened a new innovation hub in Suva aimed at helping entrepreneurs turn ideas into businesses, jobs and new economic opportunities. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Industries, Commerce, Business Development and Public Enterprises Manoa Kamikamica officially opened the Fiji Innovation Hub Space at the Reserve Bank of Fiji. Kamikamica said the hub would provide entrepreneurs with access to mentors, investors, development partners and other innovators as they develop ideas and take them toward commercialisation. “Today is about much more than the opening of a space. It is an important milestone for Fiji,” Kamikamica said. He said innovation was increasingly important as Fiji sought to overcome the constraints of a small domestic market, geographical distance and exposure to climate-related shocks. Innovation was “not a luxury” but a necessity, particularly as artificial intelligence, fintech, e-commerce, agtech and climate technology create new opportunities for Fijian businesses, he said. Improved digital connectivity is also allowing businesses based in Suva, Labasa and Savusavu to reach customers and markets beyond Fiji. The Fiji Innovation Hub was developed through a partnership led by the Reserve Bank of Fiji and the UNCDF Pacific Digital Economy Programme, funded by the European Union and the governments of Australia and New Zealand. Creative HQ, the Ministry of Industries, Commerce and Business Development, Mastercard, HFC Bank and Fiji Airways also supported the initiative. The initiative began as a discussion in late 2024 and has developed into a multiyear programme focused on strengthening entrepreneurship and technology-led solutions. Over the past year, the hub has provided training and capability development, organised hackathons and brought together innovators from urban centres, maritime communities and the Fijian diaspora. Kamikamica said the permanent facility would provide a base for entrepreneurs to build partnerships, test ideas and develop businesses. He said the hub’s success should ultimately be measured by the enterprises, investment, employment and opportunities it generates rather than by the facility itself or the number of activities it hosts. The initiative supports the government’s broader goal of developing a more productive, inclusive and resilient economy, with innovation playing a greater role in strengthening micro, small and medium-sized enterprises and private-sector development. Kamikamica said the government would continue working to remove barriers, improve the investment environment, strengthen digital infrastructure, expand financial inclusion and create policies that allow innovation to flourish. He also welcomed additional support for the initiative, including sponsorship for the hub’s second year of activities from the Fiji Development Bank and the Ministry of Policing and Communications. Kamikamica encouraged entrepreneurs using the facility to challenge conventional approaches, take risks and learn from setbacks as they develop solutions to Fiji’s economic and social challenges. He said the hub represented confidence in Fiji’s people and its emerging generation of entrepreneurs, whose ideas could develop into new businesses and industries and strengthen the country’s position as an innovation centre in the Pacific.

The Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority has clarified that a proposed corporate transaction involving seabed minerals explorer AOMC and Odyssey Marine Exploration does not alter the status of any exploration licence or give the companies ownership or control of seabed mineral resources. The SBMA said the proposed transaction, disclosed through US Securities and Exchange Commission filings, is being assessed under Cook Islands law, with the interests of Cook Islanders central to the process. The authority stressed that an exploration licence does not confer ownership of Cook Islands seabed minerals or automatically grant rights to commercially harvest minerals. “No company owns or controls any part of the Cook Islands Exclusive Economic Zone or Marae Moana through an exploration licence,” the SBMA said. Cook Islands seabed mineral resources remain under the country’s jurisdiction, it said. The authority also addressed reports that the transaction could be completed in October, saying the timetable set by the companies does not determine the Cook Islands’ regulatory process. “Company timelines do not set Cook Islands regulatory timelines,” the SBMA said, adding that the proposed transaction does not override Cook Islands law or determine any regulatory matter in advance. The SBMA said its assessment covers issues including ownership and control, financial capability, compliance, royalties, taxation, environmental obligations and other regulatory requirements. It has sought further information and assurances as part of the assessment, the authority said. The Cook Islands remains in an exploration and research phase, with no commercial minerals harvesting approved or authorized under existing exploration licences. Any proposal to move from exploration to commercial harvesting would remain subject to Cook Islands legal and regulatory requirements, including environmental assessment, public consultation where required and relevant decision-making processes. The SBMA said public scrutiny of seabed minerals activities was important, but urged discussion to be based on verified information and an understanding of the regulatory framework. “Commercial arrangements between companies do not decide the future of the Cook Islands seabed minerals sector,” it said. “That decision rests with the Cook Islands, through Cook Islands law, public process, and national decision-making.”

Fiji is exploring long-term cooperation with Malaysia to strengthen fuel security and shield the country from future global supply disruptions, including through strategic reserves and offshore fuel storage. Discussions between Fiji and Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur on Aug. 10 focused on strategic fuel reserves, emergency supply assurances, resilient supply chains and long-term energy infrastructure. The talks also considered the possibility of pre-positioned offshore fuel storage and strengthened maritime supply arrangements. Fiji’s Foreign Affairs and External Trade Minister Sakiasi Ditoka held discussions with Malaysia’s Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Johari Abdul Ghani, highlighting Fiji’s vulnerability as a small island developing state that relies heavily on imported fuel. Johari outlined Malaysia’s work on strategic fuel security and stockpiling arrangements with international partners, giving Fiji an opportunity to assess how Malaysia’s experience and energy infrastructure could support its longer-term fuel security. “Energy security is a critical component of national security for small island developing states,” Ditoka said. “Malaysia’s advanced refining capabilities and world-class energy infrastructure make it a natural strategic partner. Exploring a formal and structured arrangement on fuel security and offshore stockpiling reflects our Coalition Government’s proactive commitment to protecting Fijian families and local businesses from international price shocks,” he said. The discussions also covered opportunities to expand trade, investment, technology transfer and industrial cooperation, including increased Malaysian investment in Fiji and improved market access for Fijian products. The reopening of Fiji’s High Commission in Kuala Lumpur is expected to provide a platform for further bilateral cooperation, with a focus on economic partnership, energy security and practical outcomes for both countries. For Fiji, the discussions come as the government seeks to strengthen the resilience of its fuel supply system against disruptions in international markets and maritime supply chains.

Fiji is exploring potential cooperation with Malaysian state-owned oil and gas company PETRONAS to strengthen fuel security and build greater resilience in its energy supply chain amid continuing volatility in global fuel markets. Fiji Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade Sakiasi Ditoka met with PETRONAS Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer, Downstream, Datuk Sazali Hamzah, in Kuala Lumpur during an official working visit to Malaysia. Discussions included the possibility of Fiji being considered under PETRONAS’ existing arrangements for oil storage and stockpiling with international partner countries. The talks also covered potential technical support for Fiji’s development of a National Fuel Security Strategy, as well as fuel storage and supply-chain infrastructure. Ditoka said Fiji’s dependence on imported petroleum products leaves the country vulnerable to disruptions in international shipping, higher freight costs and congestion, with consequences extending across the wider Pacific. “The recent global fuel volatility and Middle East shipping disruptions have underscored that small island developing nations cannot rely solely on spot-market arrangements,” Ditoka said. “Securing Fiji’s energy supply chain is vital not only for our 900,000 citizens but also for our maritime neighbours who rely on Fiji as a regional hub.” He said working with a global energy company such as PETRONAS could help Fiji build longer-term energy resilience. “Partnering with a global energy leader like PETRONAS allows the Coalition Government to build true long-term resilience for Fiji and the wider Blue Pacific,” Ditoka said. The discussions also examined PETRONAS’ investments in renewable energy, sustainable biofuels and lower-carbon energy solutions. Fiji expressed interest in Malaysian expertise and potential investment in these areas as it seeks to develop cleaner and more resilient energy systems. “Fiji is looking to build resilience, not dependence. We want to work with partners who can help us strengthen our systems, diversify our options and prepare for the future,” Ditoka said. “We see PETRONAS as a potential partner in that journey.” Fiji and PETRONAS agreed to continue discussions through technical and official channels to identify practical areas for potential cooperation. The proposed cooperation comes as Pacific island countries face heightened exposure to global energy and supply-chain disruptions, underscoring the importance of fuel storage, diversified supply arrangements and stronger regional energy resilience.

Kava farmers in Faifatala’a, West Kwara’ae, Malaita province could unlock significant economic opportunities as the Solomon Islands government and private-sector buyers explore ways to expand production and connect growers with export markets. The potential was highlighted during a meeting between the Productive Sector of the Prime Minister’s Office Policy Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation Unit, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration, the Faifatala’a Kava Association and New Zealand-based kava buyer Serenco Labs. Serenco Labs is already purchasing commercially suitable kava from Faifatala’a, but farmers have struggled to consistently meet buyer demand. The main constraints include transporting harvested kava from the mountainous area to the buying point in Auki, poor road access, harvesting and post-harvest processing challenges, unreliable energy, quality control and limited commercial capacity. Faifatala’a currently has about 45 households, 19 hectares of established kava and 102,000 plants in the ground. Based on a planning assumption of 1 kilogram of saleable dried kava per mature plant at SBD300 per kilogram, the existing plants represent a theoretical production potential of 102 tonnes and an indicative gross farm-gate value of SBD30.6 million. About 12,950 three-year-old plants are expected to provide the first significant commercial harvest from January 2027. The proposed Faifatala’a Pilot Production Community and Auki Provincial Kava Hub 2026–2031 seeks to address production and market constraints through a plantation-to-market model covering production, transport, processing, quality assurance, value addition and export. The programme targets the planting of 225,000 new plants annually, equivalent to about 45 hectares. At full production, each annual planting cohort could generate about SBD67.5 million in gross farm-gate value under the stated planning assumptions. A Serenco Labs representative highlighted the quality of Solomon Islands kava, particularly its high kavalactone content. Strong overseas buyer interest suggests that the key challenge is increasingly the ability of farmers to produce, aggregate, process and reliably supply commercial volumes. The company also highlighted the potential for kava farming to generate income within rural communities, including opportunities for Solomon Islanders currently working overseas under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme to consider investing their labour in commercial production at home, provided markets and supporting infrastructure are available. Improved connectivity between Faifatala’a and Auki is seen as critical to the proposed expansion. Better road access could reduce transport costs and post-harvest losses, increase the volume of kava reaching Auki and strengthen links between farmers, the proposed provincial kava hub and export markets. The initiative therefore places the Ministry of Infrastructure Development in a key position to support the emerging kava industry. The proposed Auki Kava Hub would provide facilities for aggregation, quality assurance, drying, grinding, packaging, value-added products and export preparation, with renewable energy also proposed to support processing operations. The initiative aligns with the GREAT Coalition’s focus on indigenous small and medium-sized enterprises, local content and value addition. For the Productive Sector of PIMEU, the project demonstrates the Iumi Tugeda approach by bringing together indigenous producers, government, infrastructure development, private-sector investment and international markets. If the key constraints are addressed, Faifatala’a could turn its existing kava resources into sustained household incomes, rural employment, indigenous businesses and export earnings. The longer-term goal is to establish Faifatala’a as a commercially viable pilot that could be replicated in other kava-growing communities across Solomon Islands.

Fiji’s Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation has opened applications for a pilot fund aimed at helping locally owned micro and small tourism businesses expand and diversify their products and services. Applications for the Pilot Tourism Micro and Small Enterprise Fund for the 2026-27 financial year opened Wednesday and will remain open until Sept. 30, 2026. The fund will provide grants to eligible Fijian-owned tourism businesses, with support covering both capital projects and operational activities. The ministry said the initiative is intended to strengthen the sustainability of tourism micro and small enterprises and support the development of new tourism products and experiences that can benefit visitors and local communities. Eligible applicants must be Fijian citizens aged at least 18 and own a registered business that has operated for a minimum of two years. Businesses must be at least 51% Fijian-owned, generate the majority of their revenue from tourism and be able to contribute at least one-third of the total project cost. Funding can be used for product and experience improvements, website upgrades and other efforts to improve business visibility, technology adoption, visitor amenities and signage, small-scale infrastructure such as trails, and equity funding through financial institutions. The fund also covers activities involving culture and heritage, environmentally sustainable tourism such as birdwatching and trekking, accessibility improvements, heritage-site upgrades, agritourism and wellness tourism. Businesses with annual turnover of more than F$300,000 are excluded from the program, along with proposals for debt refinancing, applications from civil servants and large-scale infrastructure projects. The ministry said applicants should review the Pilot MSE Tourism Fund Policy before submitting their applications. Applications are being submitted online through the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation website. The ministry also has an appeal and grievance process for applicants who want to challenge aspects of the program or decisions made during assessment. The fund is part of the government’s efforts to strengthen participation by smaller businesses in Fiji’s tourism industry, which relies heavily on micro, small and medium enterprises. Applications close on Sept. 30, 2026.

The Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA) has taken another important step towards strengthening marine tourism in Papua New Guinea through a new partnership that will bring a ferry back into service in Port Moresby Harbour. The partnership was formally signed on 6 August 2026, bringing together PNGTPA, Happy Soles Limited and Marine Contract Management to operate and manage the vessel. The partnership aims to ensure the vessel is safely, professionally and efficiently operated while supporting PNGTPA’s tourism promotion activities and creating new experiences for both local and international visitors. The vessel will initially support tourism promotion activities, official engagements and sightseeing experiences around Port Moresby, while also providing a platform for the development of new marine tourism products showcasing the capital’s coastline and surrounding waters. Speaking at the signing ceremony, PNGTPA Chief Executive Officer Eric Mossman Uvovo said the partnership marked an important milestone for the Authority and demonstrated its commitment to making better use of its tourism assets. “This boat has been sitting idle for some time, and today marks the beginning of a new chapter. Our goal is to get it back on the water as quickly and safely as possible so it can support PNGTPA’s work in promoting Papua New Guinea and creating more tourism opportunities. This is only the beginning of what we hope will become a bigger marine tourism initiative for our country,” Mr Uvovo said. He added that the initiative was also aligned with PNGTPA’s long-term vision of strengthening marine tourism infrastructure, including the development of jetties and waterfront facilities. According to Mr Uvovo, Port Moresby will serve as an important starting point, with the potential to expand similar marine tourism initiatives to other provinces and coastal destinations across the country. Happy Soles Limited Managing Director Yiannis Nicolaou welcomed the partnership, saying the company was excited about the opportunity to help transform the vessel into a unique tourism attraction. “We’re proud to work alongside PNGTPA on this exciting project. We want to give visitors something different by creating enjoyable experiences on the water. From island cruises and private functions to family celebrations, we believe this boat can become a memorable attraction that people will want to experience again and again,” Mr Nicolaou said. He added that Happy Soles Limited plans to upgrade the vessel with more comfortable seating and modern features while developing creative tourism experiences that complement existing marine services in Port Moresby. Meanwhile, Marine Contract Management Managing Director Captain Matthew Dieni said his company was pleased to be part of the initiative and would place a strong emphasis on safety, vessel maintenance and professional operations. “It is an honour to partner with PNGTPA on this important project. My team and I are committed to ensuring the boat is well maintained, safely operated and ready to deliver quality services. We look forward to working together to make this a success,” Captain Dieni said. As the vessel prepares to return to service, PNGTPA remains committed to building strategic partnerships that enhance Papua New Guinea’s tourism offering and support sustainable tourism development. PNGTPA will continue working with industry partners to unlock the potential of the country’s extensive coastline, pristine marine environment and unique coastal attractions, helping position Papua New Guinea as a world-class destination offering authentic and memorable experiences to visitors.

  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.

For ten years, Project Yumi has been making a difference in communities across Papua New Guinea, building partnerships, strengthening local capacity and delivering practical initiatives that continue to create lasting impact. What began as a grassroots effort has grown into an Australian-registered charity working alongside communities in 20 of Papua New Guinea’s 22 provinces. Throughout its journey, Project Yumi has remained committed to a simple but powerful belief: sustainable development is achieved when communities are empowered to shape their own future. That philosophy has resonated with organisations across the mining, resources and business sectors, where long-term success is increasingly measured not only by economic contribution, but also by the legacy left within the communities that support industry. Through Project Meri, women have been supported through maternal health initiatives that encourage attendance at health facilities for antenatal and postnatal care. Healthcare providers have also received equipment and resources to strengthen frontline services. Meanwhile, Project Skul has helped schools access educational resources that create more engaging learning environments for students, while Project Wok has equipped young Papua New Guineans with employability skills and pathways into meaningful employment. Beyond these flagship programmes, Project Yumi has worked with more than 150 schools, health facilities and community organisations, delivering resources that continue to improve opportunities for thousands of Papua New Guineans. Yet for Project Yumi, success cannot be measured by numbers alone. While the figures tell part of the story, the organisation believes its greatest achievements are reflected in stronger communities, increased local ownership and partnerships that continue long after the initial investment. For Project Yumi, sustainability has never been about delivering a project and walking away; it has always been about laying the foundations for communities to thrive independently. This collaborative approach has enabled Project Yumi to work alongside a growing network of corporate partners, volunteers, donors and community organisations, many of whom contribute far more than financial support. Their expertise, logistics, professional skills and local knowledge have all played an important role in extending the reach and effectiveness of programmes across Papua New Guinea. For the mining and resources sector, these partnerships demonstrate the value of investing in initiatives that complement broader sustainability and social investment goals. By working with trusted organisations that have established relationships within communities, businesses can contribute to meaningful, measurable outcomes while supporting the long-term wellbeing of the regions in which they operate. As Project Yumi celebrates its tenth anniversary, the milestone is less about reflecting on the past than recognising what can be achieved through collaboration. The challenges facing Papua New Guinea remain significant, but so too are the opportunities when communities, industry and development organisations work together towards a shared purpose. Ten years of impact is an achievement worth celebrating. More importantly, it marks the beginning of the next chapter — one focused on building healthier communities, stronger education systems and sustainable opportunities for future generations across Papua New Guinea.

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.