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Twenty-two small business operators and aspiring entrepreneurs have strengthened their skills in business planning, financial management, record-keeping and customer service through a three-day Start and Improve Your Business training program. The training brought together recipients of the Trade Enhancement Program (TEP), existing small business operators and aspiring entrepreneurs, with a focus on helping participants better manage their finances, make informed business decisions and build more sustainable enterprises. Permanent Secretary for Commerce and Business Development Dr. Radika Kumar encouraged participants to apply what they had learned to their businesses. “This is the first step for all of you. The training has helped you build an entrepreneurial mindset and given you a boost of confidence,” Kumar said. Micro, small and medium enterprises account for more than 80 percent of Fiji’s private sector, making the development of entrepreneurial skills important to supporting household incomes, employment and economic activity in communities. Participant Marian Sivo, who operates a cakes and pastries business, said the training gave her a better understanding of the importance of maintaining proper financial records. “Before this training, I thought that keeping records was simply paperwork. However, I now understand that proper records help us know how much money is coming into the business, how much is being spent and whether the business is actually making a profit,” Sivo said. The training also covered the importance of separating personal and business finances, making responsible decisions and learning from challenges encountered while operating a business. Business advisory services and further training will continue to support micro, small and medium enterprises in strengthening their operations and creating sustainable income opportunities.

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.”

The upstream and downstream operators of the Papua LNG Project have been issued amended environmental permits by the Conservation and Environment Protection Authority (CEPA), following more than seven months of consultation between the regulator and project operators. The amended permits were presented on May 29, 2026, following extensive discussions involving CEPA, upstream operator TotalEnergies EP PNG Limited and downstream operator ExxonMobil PNG Antelope Limited. According to CEPA, the amendments reflect changes to both the upstream and downstream project designs and are expected to reduce potential environmental and community impacts associated with the development. Michael Wau, executive director of CEPA's Non-Renewable Resources Environmental Protection Wing, said environmental permits are living documents that must be reviewed and updated to strengthen environmental protection, water resource management and biodiversity conservation. "That is exactly what TotalEnergies EP PNG Limited and ExxonMobil PNG Antelope Limited have done by reviewing the project and requesting amendments to the environmental permits," Wau said. The original environmental permits, EP-L3 (1008) and EP-L3 (1030), were issued in March and September 2025. They covered a range of planned activities, including the construction and operation of a Catenary Anchor Leg Mooring (CALM) buoy system and associated marine infrastructure. Since the permits were issued, revisions to the project design have eliminated the need for several originally planned components, including the CALM buoy system, marine exclusion zones and related infrastructure. Wau said the changes would significantly reduce environmental impacts, particularly in Caution Bay. "There will be minimal environmental impact as the condensate pipeline, which was initially permitted to traverse Caution Bay, will instead connect with the Santos-owned Kumul Marine Terminal floating storage and offloading facility," he said. According to CEPA, the amendments will deliver several environmental and community benefits, including: • Avoiding extended travel times for local communities caused by marine exclusion zones; • Preventing disruptions to artisanal and subsistence fishing activities; and • Protecting sensitive marine and coastal habitats, including mangroves, intertidal zones and benthic environments. "This is a great win for the environment and the people," Wau said. TotalEnergies EP PNG Limited said it looks forward to continuing its collaboration with CEPA and other government agencies to ensure the Papua LNG Project is delivered in a sustainable, responsible and efficient manner. "We are committed to delivering Papua LNG to the highest environmental standards in close partnership with CEPA," the company said. ExxonMobil PNG Antelope Limited Chairman and Managing Director Dinesh Sivasamboo thanked CEPA for its review and approval of the amendments. "We greatly value this collaboration and the constructive engagement throughout the process to ensure that the Papua LNG Downstream Project is delivered responsibly and in full compliance with the amended environmental permit," Sivasamboo said. The amended permits are expected to support the continued development of the Papua LNG Project while reducing environmental impacts and preserving access to marine resources for surrounding communities.

Reeves Envico and CE Group have commenced work on the 22-kilometre transmission line that will connect renewable energy from Tina River with the homes, businesses and essential services of Honiara. Against the rolling hills and demanding terrain of Guadalcanal, work is beginning on a connection that will carry more than electricity. The new transmission line will extend 22 kilometres from the Tina River Hydropower Facility to Lungga Power Station and the Honiara national electricity grid. Once complete, it will carry up to 15 megawatts of renewable power to the capital, helping reduce reliance on imported diesel and supporting cleaner, more reliable and more affordable energy for Solomon Islanders. The commencement of construction was marked at a signing ceremony in Honiara attended by representatives of the Solomon Islands Government, Solomon Power, Australia, Reeves Envico and CE Group. The ceremony recognised a significant step forward for the Tina River Hydropower Development Project-the largest renewable energy initiative undertaken in Solomon Islands. Reeves Envico is delivering the transmission line works as principal contractor, with CE Group engaged as the Electrical Infrastructure Partner. The relationship brings together Reeves Envico’s longstanding connection with Solomon Islands and CE Group’s experience delivering complex electrical works in remote and operationally challenging environments. The scale of the undertaking is significant. The route crosses rolling hills, changing elevations and areas where weather, access and terrain will influence the movement of workers, equipment and materials. Delivering the line will require disciplined planning, technical capability and close coordination with Solomon Power, national workers, communities and the broader project team. It is a demanding scope, but its purpose is deeply human. Reliable electricity supports hospitals, classrooms, communications, refrigeration, government services and local businesses. Its value is felt when essential equipment continues operating, when a student can study and when a business can remain productive. For Reeves Envico and CE Group, those everyday outcomes give the partnership its meaning. Reeves Envico Managing Director Simon Gorman said the signing marked a deeply significant return to the country where the company’s story began. “Reeves’ connection with Solomon Islands began in 1988, with our very first project. To return today and sign this contract is more than an important milestone-it is a privilege,” Gorman said. That history brings both experience and responsibility. The partnership between Reeves Envico and CE Group is grounded in trust, integrity and a shared commitment to deliver work that supports Solomon Islands’ national priorities. For CE Group, the project is its largest contract to date and an opportunity to apply its electrical engineering and construction capability to work of lasting national value. CE Group Managing Director Ryan Johnson said the signing reflected the strength of the relationships that continue to connect Solomon Islands and Australia. “Today’s signing honours that enduring partnership and opens the door to new opportunities for the people of both our nations," Johnson said. Those opportunities extend beyond the physical delivery of the transmission line. More than 190 Solomon Islanders are currently employed across the broader Tina River Hydropower Development Project, with further opportunities expected as construction progresses. Behind that number are workers developing experience, families supported by employment and national capability that will remain beyond the construction period. The wider project also includes education and training initiatives and measures supporting safe employment opportunities for women and girls. Australia is contributing approximately SBD$180 million to the transmission line project through the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific, combining concessional financing and grant funding. The project is expected to be completed in early 2028. Its magnitude can be measured in kilometres, megawatts and the difficulty of the landscape. Its true legacy, however, will be measured by what it enables: stronger energy security, more dependable essential services, national employment and new possibilities for Solomon Islands communities. For Reeves Envico and CE Group, the intention is clear: to honour the trust placed in the partnership, deliver with integrity and remain focused on the people the work is ultimately intended to serve. The signing ceremony marked the beginning of that responsibility-not its conclusion. The lasting measure of the partnership will be found in the work delivered, the relationships strengthened and the benefits carried forward for Solomon Islands. Beyond borders, progress is built through partnership.

The government has placed Bina Harbour, coastal livelihoods, food security and stronger protection of Solomon Islands’ fisheries resources at the centre of its 90-day delivery plan for the fisheries sector. Responding to the Governor-General’s Speech from the Throne, Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources Polycarp Paea said the sector must deliver greater economic and social value to Solomon Islanders while protecting marine resources for future generations. “Fisheries must continue to provide food, jobs, export earnings and public revenue. At the same time, we must retain more value in Solomon Islands and manage our marine resources responsibly for future generations,” he said. The Ministry’s August-December 2026 90-day implementation plan will focus on: the Bina Harbour tuna processing plant; coastal livelihoods and seaweed farming; electronic monitoring and fisheries traceability; fisheries legislation and community-based management; the Aruligo GIFT Tilapia Project; and stronger monitoring, control and surveillance of Solomon Islands’ waters. At Bina Harbour, the government will advance the business case, financing strategy, statutory approvals, land and community arrangements, enabling infrastructure and investor engagement. It will also continue discussions with development and commercial partners and pursue regional tuna-supply arrangements, while protecting customary rights and ensuring affected communities are meaningfully involved. “Our approach will protect customary rights, ensure meaningful participation by affected communities and avoid major commitments until the necessary safeguards, financing and responsibilities are clear,” Paea said. Bina Harbour will remain the central new fisheries investment priority through April 2028, alongside efforts to strengthen existing processing at Noro and increase local tuna landings, domestic processing and value addition. Beyond tuna processing, the ministry will support seaweed farmers, fishers’ associations and cooperatives to improve production, access to finance and markets, cold storage and bargaining power. Stronger fisheries centres and supply chains are expected to reduce spoilage and ensure more income reaches coastal households. The government will also expand aquaculture and seaweed farming, support farmer training and explore commercially viable processing and responsible blue-enterprise opportunities. “Diversification must create livelihoods without transferring unsustainable pressure from one resource to another,” Paea said. Stronger traceability and enforcement The ministry will strengthen electronic reporting, port and landing systems, catch documentation and traceability to improve transparency, compliance and access to high-value export markets. “These improvements will provide greater transparency from vessel to port and from port to processor. They will strengthen detection of non-compliance and demonstrate that Solomon Islands tuna is legally caught and fully traceable,” Paea said. Stronger monitoring, control and surveillance — including observer and inspection capabilities, coordinated patrols and port state measures — will help protect Solomon Islands’ sovereign fisheries rights and deter illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. The Aruligo GIFT Tilapia Project will be prepared for reliable hatchery production, farmer training and provincial aquaculture support. Fisheries legislation and community-based management will also be strengthened to support the sustainable use of coastal resources. The ministry will further strengthen research, workforce development and institutional systems, ensuring major initiatives have clear leadership, milestones, risk-management measures and reporting arrangements. The 90-day plan is the first delivery window of a wider programme extending to April 2028. The ministry will report regularly on progress, constraints and corrective actions while working with provincial governments, customary rights holders, industry, communities, development partners and regional fisheries organisations. “Our fisheries resources are among the nation’s greatest assets. Our duty is to manage them wisely, defend them firmly and convert them into lasting opportunities for our people — not only for today, but for the generations that will follow,” Paea said.

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 Republic of the Marshall Islands has launched the Marshall Islands Pocket Guide, a new online tourism resource aimed at raising the country's profile in regional and international travel markets. Developed by South Pacific Pocket Guide in collaboration with the Office of Commerce, Investment & Tourism (OCIT), the website provides travellers with comprehensive information on Majuro and the wider Marshall Islands. The guide is the 10th destination platform produced by South Pacific Pocket Guide and contains 136 articles covering attractions, accommodation, restaurants, transport, shopping and practical travel information. The content was compiled following 10 days of field research in Majuro in July, during which South Pacific Pocket Guide representatives Robin and Laura met with more than 50 tourism operators, accommodation providers, restaurants, handicraft businesses, transport operators and other tourism stakeholders. The project was supported by the Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO), which facilitated collaboration between South Pacific Pocket Guide and OCIT, and by the Australian Government through the Australia-Pacific Partnerships for Aviation (P4A) programme. South Pacific Pocket Guide Operations Manager Robin said the website highlights the Marshall Islands' untapped tourism potential. "As one of the Pacific's smaller and more remote destinations, the Marshall Islands has significant untapped tourism potential. The fact that the Pocket Guide now features 101 things to do demonstrates the depth and diversity of experiences available, and the opportunity for the industry to position RMI more confidently in regional and international markets," Robin said. He said the guide showcases unique cultural experiences, including traditional canoe building, handicrafts and pandanus-based food and drink, while making information more accessible to prospective visitors. During the research visit, the team also promoted the destination through social media, generating about 948,000 views and 45,000 interactions. Loretta Lori deBrum, Marketing and Public Relations Officer at OCIT, said the guide would make it easier for travellers to discover the Marshall Islands while providing greater exposure for local tourism businesses. "With the Marshall Islands Pocket Guide, for the first time, we are bringing together trusted information on our attractions, culture, local businesses, accommodations and experiences into one accessible platform," she said. "This will make it easier for visitors to discover what the Marshall Islands has to offer while giving our tourism operators greater visibility and opportunities to reach new markets." South Pacific Pocket Guide plans to return to the Marshall Islands in November to update the guide, expand coverage of the outer atolls and advance the Trip Carver initiative, which will allow local tourism operators to accept online bookings through free websites.

  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.