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Pacific Island countries have adopted a regional strategy aimed at improving access to climate finance, strengthening institutional capacity and promoting innovative funding mechanisms to help address the region's growing climate challenges. The Pacific Regional Climate Finance Access and Mobilisation Strategy 2025-2030, endorsed by Pacific Islands Forum Economic Ministers in March 2025, seeks to help Pacific Island countries better access, manage and deploy climate finance for climate adaptation, mitigation, and loss and damage initiatives. The strategy was developed by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) following a technical assessment of climate finance in Pacific Island countries and forms part of the implementation framework under the Pacific Roadmap for Economic Development and the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. PIFS said Pacific Island countries remain among the world's most climate-vulnerable nations but continue to face significant barriers in securing international climate finance because of limited institutional capacity, complex funding requirements and the need for stronger technical expertise in preparing funding proposals. According to the strategy, Pacific Island countries received a total of US$3.4 billion in climate finance between 2010 and 2021, with 59 per cent allocated to adaptation projects, 31 per cent to mitigation initiatives and 10 per cent to cross-cutting programmes. More than half of the funding came from multilateral development banks, while bilateral donors and dedicated climate funds accounted for the remainder. However, the strategy estimates the region requires around US$13.2 billion in climate finance by 2030, leaving a substantial funding gap despite increased international support. PIFS said climate finance delivery continues to be constrained by complex application procedures, stringent eligibility requirements, limited absorptive capacity and project-based funding models that often bypass national budgeting and financial management systems. The strategy sets out four priority areas: strengthening institutional capacity, improving access to climate finance, enhancing the management and utilisation of climate funding, and promoting innovative financing mechanisms. Among the measures proposed are simplifying access to international climate funds, supporting more Pacific countries to secure direct accreditation with major climate finance institutions, expanding public-private partnerships and improving project management and financial oversight. The strategy also promotes new financing approaches, including green and blue bonds, debt-for-climate swaps, carbon pricing mechanisms, climate insurance products and regional climate investment platforms to mobilise additional public and private capital for climate resilience projects. Under the implementation roadmap, PIFS aims to help at least three Pacific Island countries secure direct accreditation to the Green Climate Fund or other international climate funds by 2029, facilitate the issuance of at least one green or blue bond, establish an operational regional climate investment platform and support the completion of at least one debt-for-climate swap by 2030. PIFS will coordinate implementation through an expanded regional Climate Finance Working Group involving regional organisations, multilateral development banks, United Nations agencies and other climate finance partners, while ensuring climate finance remains aligned with national development plans and climate priorities across Pacific Island countries.

Canadian miner Lion One Metals Ltd reported a strong rebound in gold production during the second quarter of 2026 as operational improvements at its Tuvatu Gold Mine in Fiji lifted output, recovery rates and underground development. The company recovered 3,291 ounces of gold during the quarter ended June 30, up 21 per cent from the 2,726 ounces produced in the previous quarter. Average head grade improved to 4.3 grams of gold per tonne, while record quarterly gold recovery reached 84.9 per cent, reflecting improved mill performance. Lion One also processed 27,985 tonnes of mineralised material during the quarter, achieving a 90 per cent mill utilisation rate and an average throughput of approximately 308 tonnes per day, exceeding the plant's nameplate capacity of 300 tonnes per day. The company attributed the stronger performance to operational improvements following the return of Eric Setchell as director of operations in May and the successful commissioning of its flotation circuit, which has increased metallurgical performance and steadily improved gold recoveries. The new flotation circuit culminated in a record monthly recovery rate of 87.7 per cent in June, the company said. Underground mine development also strengthened during the quarter, reaching 1,652 metres, a 28 per cent increase from the previous quarter and the second-highest quarterly development rate recorded at the Tuvatu mine. The company completed a record 587 metres of underground development in May as it continued expanding mining access. President and Chief Executive Officer Ian Berzins said improvements were recorded across all key operating metrics. "We're very pleased with the strong rebound in performance in the latter half of this quarter," Berzins said. He said the company achieved record quarterly and monthly gold recovery, the highest monthly underground development rate in the mine's history and the second-best quarterly development performance since operations began. "We are well on our way to returning production back to the levels seen at the end of 2025, and to ultimately surpassing those levels as we continue to develop Tuvatu," he said. The company also reported improvements in workplace safety during the quarter. No lost-time incidents were recorded, while the Total Recordable Incident Frequency improved to 4.37, down from 6.55 in the previous quarter. Lion One said it remains focused on maintaining safe production as underground operations continue to expand. Lion One Metals owns the Tuvatu Alkaline Gold Project in Fiji, which includes the underground gold mine, processing plant and assay laboratory, together with an exploration licence covering the highly prospective Navilawa Caldera. The company said continued mine development and improved processing performance are expected to support further production growth in the coming quarters.

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.

The World Bank's Environment and Social Framework (ESF) Practice Manager, Africa Olojoba, has visited the Tina River Hydropower Development Project (THDP) in Solomon Islands, highlighting construction progress, strong safety practices and environmental stewardship at the country's first large-scale renewable energy project. Olojoba was joined by a World Bank delegation comprising Lead Environmental Specialist Nathalie Staelens, Environmental Specialist Khine Thwe Wynn, Social Development Specialist Joyce Onguglo and Energy Specialist Yulia Zakrevskaia during the March 27 site visit. The delegation began its visit at the Hyundai Engineering Company site office, where project officials provided a safety induction briefing outlining workplace health and safety protocols. The team then toured the dam site and the powerhouse site, including the main tunnel system currently under development. Speaking during a meeting at the Garivera camp site, Olojoba outlined three key observations from the visit. He cited the project's substantial development progress, noting the advancement of major structures, ongoing construction activities and milestones achieved to date. Olojoba also commended project teams for maintaining strong occupational health and safety standards across the construction site. In addition, he highlighted the project's environmental performance, particularly areas of natural revegetation and the replantation programme being implemented as part of biodiversity management efforts. The World Bank is one of the principal financiers of the Tina River Hydropower Development Project and has played a key role in supporting the project's objective of delivering clean, affordable and sustainable energy to Solomon Islands. Once completed, the hydropower facility is expected to reduce the country's dependence on diesel-fired electricity generation, lower power costs for consumers and support national climate commitments. The Tina River Hydropower Development Project is being led by the Solomon Islands government with financing and support from the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, the Asian Development Bank, the Australian government, the Green Climate Fund, Korea EXIM Economic Development Cooperation Fund and the World Bank. The project is the first large-scale renewable energy development undertaken in Solomon Islands and is expected to improve access to cleaner and more reliable electricity for households and businesses while supporting the country's long-term energy transition.

Fiji is strengthening its livestock sector by equipping agricultural officers and industry stakeholders with modern feed formulation skills and digital tools aimed at reducing production costs, improving animal nutrition, and increasing local livestock productivity. The Ministry of Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Industry concluded a week-long Feed Formulation Training for the Pacific and introduced the FeedAccess Online Feed Formulation App during a regional training program held at the Animal Health and Production Office in Vatuwaqa. Closing the program, Minister for Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Industry Tomasi Tunabuna said the initiative forms part of the government's broader strategy to strengthen Fiji's livestock industry through innovation, capacity building, and greater use of locally available feed resources. "The training focused on promoting the use of locally available feed resources such as cassava, copra meal, fish meal, and other agricultural by-products as cost-effective alternatives while ensuring that animal productivity and performance are maintained at optimal levels," Tunabuna said. The training brought together agricultural extension officers, researchers, advisory officers, and livestock professionals from across Fiji, providing practical instruction in animal nutrition, feed formulation, and digital technologies that support livestock production. Participants learned to evaluate the nutritional value of locally available feed ingredients and formulate balanced rations for different livestock species and production stages. According to the ministry, feed accounts for between 65% and 75% of total livestock production costs, making feed efficiency a critical factor in improving farm profitability. Tunabuna said developing expertise in least-cost feed formulation would enable extension officers to help farmers optimize livestock nutrition, reduce operating costs, and improve overall farm productivity. A key component of the training was the introduction of the FeedAccess Online Platform, a digital application that allows users to formulate nutritionally balanced feed rations using smartphones, tablets, or computers without requiring specialized desktop software or complex spreadsheets. Developed by France-based agricultural technology company FeedAccess, the platform enables farmers, researchers, extension officers, and feed manufacturers to calculate feed formulations using locally available raw materials while optimizing nutritional value and production costs. Founded in 2013, FeedAccess provides a free digital feed formulation platform supporting 16 livestock and aquaculture species. The platform is currently used by more than 11,800 users across 185 countries. FeedAccess Director and training facilitator Edouard Bault said the platform was designed to make feed formulation more practical and accessible for extension officers and livestock producers. "Feed formulation should not be limited to specialists with advanced software," Bault said. "FeedAccess simplifies the process, allowing users to formulate balanced, least-cost rations using locally available feed ingredients. This helps farmers make informed decisions, reduce feed costs, and improve the productivity of their livestock." Bault said the long-term success of the program would depend on participants applying their new knowledge in the field and sharing their expertise with livestock producers. "By making better use of local feed resources, Pacific countries can reduce dependence on imported feeds while building more resilient and sustainable livestock production systems," he said. The ministry said adoption of digital tools such as FeedAccess supports the objectives of the Fiji Livestock Sector Strategy, which identifies feed quality and affordability as major constraints to livestock development. Tunabuna said expanding the technical capacity of ministry officers through practical technologies would help address these challenges while supporting national food security objectives. He also acknowledged the contribution of Bault in delivering the technical training and thanked the Pacific Community (SPC) for partnering with the ministry to organize the regional program. The minister encouraged participants to continue testing locally available feed ingredients, monitor livestock performance, and share their knowledge with farmers, students, and others involved in animal production. The Ministry of Agriculture said it will continue investing in professional development and practical innovations that strengthen livestock productivity, improve food security, and support sustainable agricultural development in Fiji.

The Fiji government has defended its borrowing programme, arguing that public debt is being used primarily to finance long-term infrastructure projects that will strengthen economic growth and improve productivity rather than fund day-to-day government expenditure. Responding to public debate over the country's fiscal position following the release of the 2026-27 National Budget, the Ministry of Finance said much of the government's recent borrowing has been directed towards roads, bridges, water infrastructure, public buildings, border facilities and digital government systems that are expected to deliver economic benefits for decades. The ministry said these investments should be viewed as capital expenditure rather than recurrent spending, noting that modern infrastructure is essential to attracting private investment, supporting tourism, improving logistics and creating economic opportunities throughout Fiji. Officials said better transport networks, more reliable utilities and upgraded public infrastructure would reduce business costs, improve connectivity and raise productivity across key sectors of the economy. The government acknowledged that Fiji, like many countries, experienced a sharp rise in public borrowing during and immediately after the Covid-19 pandemic as authorities sought to protect employment, support businesses and maintain essential public services during the economic downturn. Since then, restoring fiscal sustainability while continuing to invest in infrastructure has become one of the government's principal economic objectives. The ministry said improving revenue collection, maintaining responsible expenditure management and supporting stronger economic growth will remain central to its fiscal strategy as it works to gradually reduce the budget deficit while sustaining investment. The government's position comes as Fiji's 2026-27 National Budget adopts what officials describe as a strategy of fiscal consolidation rather than sweeping reform, reflecting an economy where tourism has largely recovered, construction activity remains robust and private investment continues to improve. One of the budget's most notable features is the decision to leave major tax settings largely unchanged. Corporate income tax, personal income tax and value-added tax remain broadly intact, providing businesses with greater policy certainty and allowing investors to plan long-term projects with increased confidence, particularly in sectors such as tourism, manufacturing and construction. Infrastructure remains the centrepiece of the government's economic strategy. Funding has been allocated to transport infrastructure, water systems, public services, border facilities and digital government initiatives, including measures to streamline building approvals through digital platforms to improve the ease of doing business. The government said these investments are intended not only to support employment during construction but also to improve long-term productivity and lower operating costs for businesses. The budget also places increased emphasis on workforce development as Fiji continues to address shortages of skilled labour. Measures include revisions to the National Training and Productivity Centre levy and enhanced tax deductions for employer-funded training programmes, reflecting concerns over the continued migration of experienced workers overseas and the need to strengthen domestic skills. The most debated measure in the budget is the introduction of a five per cent Tourism Services Tax on larger tourism operators. The government said the levy will help finance aviation and tourism infrastructure needed to support the industry's long-term growth. However, the Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association has warned that the additional tax comes at a time when operators are already facing rising labour costs, higher insurance premiums and increased prices for imported goods. While the tourism sector remains internationally competitive, industry representatives have cautioned that additional costs could affect pricing as Pacific destinations compete for visitors. Economists generally distinguish between borrowing for productive investment and borrowing to finance ongoing operating expenses, noting that infrastructure spending can strengthen future economic performance provided projects are carefully selected, efficiently implemented and generate measurable returns. Business organisations have broadly welcomed the government's emphasis on infrastructure investment, policy stability and skills development, while continuing to call for prudent debt management and disciplined project execution to preserve investor confidence. The ministry said balancing infrastructure investment with debt sustainability will remain one of the country's key economic policy challenges. It added that maintaining access to development finance, strengthening public finances and delivering projects efficiently will be critical to sustaining confidence among international lenders, development partners, businesses and private investors. Rather than pursuing dramatic fiscal changes, the government said the 2026-27 Budget seeks to build on Fiji's post-pandemic recovery through careful fiscal management, continued infrastructure investment and measures designed to support long-term economic growth.

Fiji has launched the Nasaulevu Integrated Tourism Development Masterplan, a landmark tourism project aimed at creating a new tourism and investment hub while placing indigenous landowners at the centre of development. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Viliame Gavoka unveiled the masterplan on 19 June at Navoci Village in Nadi, describing it as the beginning of a new phase that will require strong governance, community unity and effective implementation. The masterplan covers Nasaulevu Island, a 747-acre site located opposite Denarau Port Marina, one of Fiji's premier tourism gateways. Prepared by global consultancy ARUP in partnership with the Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF) and the Nakovacake Development Trust, the masterplan was funded through a USD 400,000 grant from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The initiative is being promoted as Fiji's first tourism development blueprint of its scale to integrate indigenous landowners, institutional investors and international technical expertise from the outset. A central feature of the project is its landowner-led development model, under which the Vanua of Nakovacake will play a direct role in planning, governance and economic participation. Officials say the approach is designed to ensure local communities benefit from future tourism growth while maintaining a stake in the long-term development of their customary land. Speaking at the launch, Gavoka said the completion of the masterplan marked the transition from planning to implementation. "This launch is not an ending. It is the start of a more demanding phase requiring unity, sound governance and a clear path from concept to construction," he told community members. The Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation said it would continue supporting the project as it moves toward delivery and investment attraction. The development is expected to strengthen Fiji's tourism sector by creating new opportunities for accommodation, recreation, marine tourism and supporting infrastructure near the country's busiest tourism corridor. Tourism remains a key pillar of Fiji's economy, contributing significantly to employment, foreign exchange earnings and economic growth. The government has identified sustainable tourism development and greater participation by indigenous landowners as priorities for the sector's future expansion. The Nasaulevu masterplan is expected to serve as a model for future tourism developments in Fiji by combining community ownership, institutional investment and international planning expertise within a single development framework.

  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.

PNG Air has officially bid farewell to its iconic Dash 8 fleet, marking the end of an important chapter in the airline's history and the completion of its transition to a modern, all-ATR fleet. For decades, the Dash 8 aircraft served Papua New Guinea with distinction, earning a reputation for reliability and versatility while connecting communities, supporting key industries, and operating into some of the country's most challenging airstrips. As the fleet enters its next chapter, all three Dash 8 aircraft will continue their operational service with new operators overseas. One aircraft recently departed for Kenya, where it will join Renegade Air to support both domestic services and United Nations operations. PNG Air Chief Executive Officer Mr Brian Fraser said the farewell marked both a proud achievement and a significant milestone for the airline. "The Dash 8 has been an extraordinary aircraft for PNG Air and for the people of Papua New Guinea. These aircraft have connected communities and supported our nation's growth for many years. While we bid farewell to an important part of our history, we are excited about the future as we continue our transition to a modern ATR fleet," Fraser said. The retirement of the Dash 8 fleet forms part of PNG Air's broader fleet modernisation programme. As the airline transitions to the ATR 72-600 and ATR 42-600, it is investing in the future of regional aviation through modern technology, enhanced safety systems, greater passenger comfort, improved operational performance, and increased environmental sustainability. The ATR fleet offers industry-leading fuel efficiency and lower carbon emissions, supporting PNG Air's commitment to providing safer, more reliable, and more sustainable air services. The aircraft are also well suited to Papua New Guinea's unique operating environment, with the capability to serve regional and remote destinations efficiently. About PNG Air For nearly four decades, PNG Air has connected the people of Papua New Guinea through safe, reliable, and affordable air services. The airline currently operates more than 460 flights each week across 22 destinations, providing essential passenger and cargo services throughout the country.

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.