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Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele has commended the Young Entrepreneurs Council Solomon Islands (YECSI) for its continued efforts in empowering young entrepreneurs and creating opportunities for youth across the country. The Prime Minister made the remarks when the YECSI Board and transitioning members paid a courtesy visit to him on 13 March 2026 to present the organisation’s 2025 Annual Report and provide a comprehensive briefing on the progress achieved over the past two years. YECSI Chairman Limahl Totogi expressed profound gratitude to the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT), observing that while the Board’s visit in 2024 was to seek urgent support, the current meeting served to report on the tangible results of that partnership. Totogi highlighted that, with the strategic support received from the Government, 2025 has become a benchmark year for the YECSI programme. He introduced the YECSI team and transitioning members in attendance, who represented entrepreneurs operating in sectors such as agriculture, transportation, digital technology and waste management. Totogi noted that YECSI now maintains representation across all provinces, ensuring that the Government’s reach extends to young entrepreneurs in even the most remote areas, such as Temotu. The Chairman specifically acknowledged the critical intervention of the GNUT Government, which sustained YECSI when external funding ceased. Since that intervention, membership has grown to over 180 members across 23 sectors. A central pillar of this success has been the SBD 3 million in funding support from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, which was utilised to provide SBD 1.9 million in direct business grants for 24 new ventures and SBD 2.1 million to assist members in formalising their businesses. Further support included a SBD 500,000 revolving fund from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock for agriculture value chains, alongside technical assistance from the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration, and the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs (MWYCA). In response, Prime Minister Manele thanked the YECSI Board for the presentation of their 2025 Annual Report and acknowledged the organisation’s vital role in helping a growing youth population create its own economic opportunities. The Prime Minister also noted the importance of cross-ministerial support provided to YECSI, acknowledging that where MWYCA may face limitations in direct entrepreneurial support, other productive line ministries have successfully stepped in. He emphasised that this collaborative approach ensures that young entrepreneurs receive specialised support from ministries relevant to their respective sectors. The Prime Minister highlighted fisheries and other productive industries as sectors for further exploration and assured the Board that he would convey their appreciation to the respective ministers. He also welcomed support from bilateral partners, including the People’s Republic of China, in areas such as e-commerce and digital entrepreneurship. Prime Minister Manele further encouraged YECSI members to remain resilient amid global economic uncertainties and fuel price volatility, noting that the nation must remain mindful of the challenges ahead. He wished the YECSI Board and its members continued success in their efforts to support young entrepreneurs across the country.

On the sidelines of the 2026 Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) Investment Convention in Toronto, Canada, Papua New Guinea’s Minister for Mining Solen Loifa, MP, announced a sweeping suite of regulatory and institutional reforms designed to transform PNG into the Asia-Pacific region’s most conducive destination for mining investment. Under the government’s “Reset@50” agenda, Minister Loifa committed to a six- to nine-month implementation window to finalize a new regulatory framework. This “New Deal” for the sector prioritizes the removal of bureaucratic bottlenecks and the modernization of laws that have remained largely unchanged since 1992. Key Pillars of the Reform Agenda Establishment of a “One-Stop Shop” The government is realigning policy and institutions to create a streamlined, integrated service center for investors. This reform will centralize licensing, permitting and compliance, ensuring that explorers and miners no longer face fragmented departmental processes. Modernizing Exploration Rights To support the high-risk pioneer stage of mining, the government will extend the tenure of exploration licenses (EL) from two years to five years. This provides the long-term stability required for modern, technology-driven exploration programs. Introduction of Retention Licenses For the first time, a formal retention license category will be introduced, allowing companies to hold and protect discovered deposits during periods of unfavorable market conditions or technical feasibility studies. Bypassing the First-in-Time Requirement for Projects of Significance The government is moving toward a more merit-based and strategic allocation of tenements to ensure genuine operators are prioritized for areas identified as highly prospective. This will not affect existing license areas or applicants seeking to conduct exploration in areas not reserved for the intended purpose. The government will use both first-in-time and merit-based approaches on a case-by-case basis. Removing Red Tape The minister specifically targeted the “lengthy and cumbersome” process through increased staff capacity and a drive toward an electronically automated system. New regulations will mandate strict timelines for renewals to ensure that projects do not stall due to administrative delays. Inclusive Workforce Reforms to mining safety laws will formally enable and encourage women to work in all aspects of mining, ensuring the industry reflects the talent and diversity of the entire population. This will enable women to work underground, unlike the current restriction in 1977 legislation. Realignment of Policy and Regulatory Framework Under a Single Entity — Reforming the Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) The Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) is the government agency responsible for regulating the mining industry in Papua New Guinea. It is currently undergoing a strategic realignment to serve as the primary gateway for the “One-Stop Shop” investment initiative. Minister Loifa emphasized that these changes were not merely proposals but were a core mandate of his leadership. “Our message to the global mining community is clear. We have heard your concerns regarding regulatory uncertainty and administrative delays,” said Minister Loifa. “We are removing the hurdles that have historically slowed discovery, while ensuring that the people of Papua New Guinea benefit equitably from our resource wealth.” The PDAC is the world’s premier mineral exploration and mining convention, which kicked off March 1 (Canada time) and will go on until March 4. This is an annual event that brings together more than 27,000 attendees from over 125 countries for educational programming, networking events and business opportunities. Since it began in 1932, the convention has grown in size, stature and influence. The award-winning event is a gathering where familiar faces reunite, new connections are forged and the future of mineral exploration takes shape one conversation at a time. It is the event of choice for the industry, hosting more than 1,300 exhibitors and 700 presenters.

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

The United Kingdom’s High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Paul Turner, visited the Tina River Hydropower Development Project site on 20 February to observe progress on the country’s flagship renewable energy initiative. Turner, accompanied by a team of UK energy specialists, began the visit at Garivera Campsite, where the delegation received an induction presentation outlining construction progress, safety protocols and key engineering milestones. The group then proceeded to the dam site before concluding at the powerhouse site, including the main tunnel system currently under development. The United Kingdom is a major contributor to the Green Climate Fund, one of the principal financiers of the hydropower project. “Tina Hydro is a transformational project for Solomons, and the UK is delighted to be supporting it through our funding of the Green Climate Fund (GCF). The GCF is the largest contributor to Tina Hydro, and the UK will continue to be the strongest of advocates,” Turner said. The project is Solomon Islands’ first large-scale renewable energy initiative and is expected to reduce reliance on diesel power generation, lower electricity costs and support the country’s national climate commitments. The High Commissioner’s visit underscores the UK’s ongoing partnership with Solomon Islands and its support for sustainable infrastructure delivering long-term social, environmental and economic benefits. The hydropower development is led by the Solomon Islands Government, with financing and support from the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, Asian Development Bank, Government of Australia, Green Climate Fund, Korea Eximbank and the World Bank. The Tina River Hydropower Development Project is being implemented by the Solomon Islands Government to deliver more affordable electricity and improve access to cleaner, more reliable energy sources for communities. Further information is available at www.tina-hydro.com.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development has launched the Agriculture Investment for Markets and Nutrition (AIM-N) Project in Western Province, aiming to strengthen agriculture, improve nutrition and boost rural incomes. The project was officially launched in Gizo by Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development Franklyn Derek Wasi in partnership with the Western Provincial Government led by Premier Billy Veo. The event brought together provincial leaders, representatives from the education, health and agriculture sectors, women’s groups and members of the AIM-N project team. Wasi said the initiative represents a renewed commitment to farmers, fisherfolk, rural women and youth, and to the future of agriculture and nutrition in the Solomon Islands. “Today marks more than the commencement of a project. It marks a renewed commitment to our farmers, fisherfolk, rural women and youth, and to the future of agriculture and nutrition in our country,” he said. He said Western Province has long played an important role in the country’s agricultural and fisheries production, producing commodities such as cocoa, coconut, root crops and marine resources that sustain thousands of rural households. Wasi said the project aims to create long-term systems that expand economic opportunities in rural communities. “This initiative is not about short-term assistance. It is about building systems. It is about creating opportunity and transforming rural livelihoods in a way that is sustainable and inclusive,” he said. He added that farmers continue to face challenges including limited market access, climate risks, post-harvest losses and inadequate infrastructure. The AIM-N project is implemented through a partnership between the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). The programme will support stronger market linkages for farmers, improved productivity and climate resilience, nutrition-sensitive agriculture, greater participation of women and youth in agribusiness and institutional strengthening at both national and provincial levels. Wasi emphasised that women and young people will play a central role in the programme. “If we are serious about rural transformation, we must ensure that women have access to productive resources, finance and leadership opportunities. We must also create pathways for young people to see agriculture not as subsistence but as enterprise,” he said. Premier Veo welcomed the initiative and thanked the national government and development partners for including Western Province in the programme. He said the project would strengthen service delivery to rural communities by providing technical and financial support to farmers and families, enabling them to produce nutritious food while generating sustainable incomes. Veo also highlighted the importance of public awareness during implementation to ensure communities understand how they can participate in the programme. Western Province Minister for Agriculture and Forestry Isaac Jenty said the project aligns with the Western Provincial Agricultural Sector Plan 2023–2027 and supports efforts to strengthen smallholder farming and agricultural value chains. Western Province Minister for Education Gordon Zebo said the initiative would also help promote healthier school environments by supporting the reintroduction of school gardens and encouraging the consumption of nutritious local food. Meanwhile, Western Province Minister for Health Kenneth George said improving nutrition is essential to addressing the country’s growing non-communicable disease crisis, noting that such illnesses account for around 60 to 70 percent of deaths in the Solomon Islands. The AIM-N Project is a six-year programme valued at about $20 million. Launched nationally in July 2025, it aims to improve food security, nutrition and rural incomes for more than 18,000 people, representing about 6,100 households in Choiseul, Isabel and Western provinces.

The Office of the Prime Minister has established a Cryptocurrency Advisory Working Group to assess policy and legislative options for addressing international cybercrime, including ransomware, while safeguarding the country’s financial stability and international obligations. Formed in partnership with the Financial Intelligence Unit, the new body will provide coordinated, cross-agency advice to the government on the legal, financial and national security implications of cryptocurrency-related policy responses. Prome Minister Mark Brown said the move reflects the government’s commitment to careful and evidence-based policymaking. “Our reputation, our financial connectivity, and our economic stability are critical national interests. We will not move forward on any matter of this significance without rigorous due diligence, full consideration of international obligations, and close engagement with key stakeholders,” he said. The advisory group will review how potential measures align with Cook Islands law and constitutional principles, and whether they comply with international anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing obligations. It will also examine potential impacts on the financial system, including correspondent banking relationships. According to OPM Chief of Staff Karopaerangi Ngatoko, the group provides a formal mechanism for government agencies to evaluate the complex issues surrounding cryptocurrency, ransomware suppression and international compliance frameworks. The working group is co-chaired by the Office of the Prime Minister and the Financial Intelligence Unit and includes representatives from the Financial Supervisory Commission, Crown Law Office, Ministry of Finance and Economic Management, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration and the Ministry of Justice. Its mandate includes identifying reputational, national security and economic risks, assessing operational feasibility, and recommending whether legislative, regulatory or alternative approaches are appropriate. The working group is expected to complete an initial review of policy and legislative options within the coming months, after which the government will determine whether to proceed with further policy development or public consultation. Brown said the government had taken note of concerns raised by the domestic banking sector, private industry and legal experts regarding financial connectivity and compliance risks. “This Working Group is the appropriate mechanism to test those risks properly and ensure any path forward protects the Cook Islands’ long-term interests,” he said. He added that no draft legislation has yet been tabled in parliament and no final decisions have been made, stressing that the government’s priority remains protecting the country’s economy and maintaining compliance with international obligations.

The Minister for Culture and Tourism, Choylin Douglas, on 13 March officially opened the newly upgraded Raiders Hotel in Tulagi, Gela, Central Islands Province. The opening marks a significant milestone for the hotel’s owners and management and provides a major boost for tourism development in Central Islands Province and the Solomon Islands. The hotel’s upgrade forms part of the Ministry’s 2025 budget support programme for tourism operators, which aims to enhance the country’s tourism infrastructure and competitiveness. “This initiative is a testament to the strong partnership between the Government and local tourism operators,” said Minister Douglas. “Together, we have worked to upgrade tourism facilities to a level where they are ready to receive more visitors and contribute to the growth of the sector.” The Ministry of Culture and Tourism supported several major local operators, including Paringiju Inland Mountain Lodge, Zaru Hotel, Double Islands Resort and Raiders Hotel, to upgrade and expand their facilities. Minister Douglas praised the joint venture partnership between foreign and local investors, saying it combines international expertise, capital and networks with local ownership and knowledge, strengthening the tourism industry and creating opportunities for local communities. She encouraged tourism operators in Tulagi and Central Province to collaborate on tour packages and experiences, and called on land and resource owners to work with operators to develop attractive sites and visitor attractions. The National Government, through the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, remains committed to supporting viable projects that contribute to the growth of the tourism industry. Raiders Hotel plans to establish a dive shop, swimming pool, jetty and spa, enhancing the visitor experience and attracting more tourists. Minister Douglas congratulated the shareholders, directors and management of Raiders Hotel on their achievement and thanked them for their partnership with the Government in developing tourism. The hotel is now open for business, offering improved facilities and services to visitors. Tulagi Island, located off the south coast of Gela, holds a special place in the Solomon Islands’ history as the country’s first capital during the British Protectorate period. This charming island is home to a wealth of historic attractions, including the former British High Commissioner’s Residence, the historic Tulagi Prison, and relics from World War II, including underground tunnels dug during the war. The island’s pristine waters are teeming with marine life, making it a haven for divers and nature lovers. With its rich history, stunning scenery and abundant marine life, Tulagi Island is a hidden gem waiting to be explored.

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

Weir has been awarded a contract to supply a 150 tph crushing and screening plant for Bezant’s Hope and Gorob Copper-Gold Project in Namibia. The value of the agreement has not been disclosed. The order includes: an ENDURON® ET905 jaw crusher; an ENDURON® ET906 jaw crusher; a Trio® TF4012 vibrating grizzly feeder; a Trio® EF3605 vibrating pan feeder; a Trio® TIOSP6162 scalping screen; conveyor belts; and the supporting steel structure. Weir recently launched its new range of ENDURON® jaw crushers, which have been developed to enhance safety, boost productivity, simplify maintenance and support its customers’ sustainability goals. The updated ENDURON® jaw crushers now feature a redesigned Hydraulic Power Unit (HPU), which allows for true push-button control of CSS adjustments. This new feature eliminates the need for manual intervention, significantly reducing safety risks for operators and maintenance teams. The new HPU also ensures consistent tensioning of the retraction springs at all times, improving reliability and ease of use across the full wear range of the jaw dies. The optimised motor power and oil tank capacity reduce the HPU’s CO2 footprint and reduce environmental impact. To further improve performance and reduce downtime, the entire range of ENDURON® jaw crushers now include ESCO® wear parts. These components extend wear life, which means fewer maintenance interventions and increased equipment utilisation – translating to lower operating costs and more efficient production. JD Singleton, Weir Comminution Director for Europe, Middle East and Africa, said: ‘There is obviously a lot of time, effort and resources that go into designing, developing and bringing to market new products. The range of ENDURON® jaw crushers was developed in close collaboration with our customers, so we’ve been confident throughout the entire process that these crushers will help miners overcome some of their most pressing operational challenges. Nevertheless, it’s rewarding to see this work come to fruition and the crushers performing well in some of the most arduous crushing applications. Today, Singleton said that miners are taking a more holistic view of their operations; rather than looking at pieces of equipment in isolation, they are increasingly considering how what happens upstream impacts what’s happening downstream, and vice versa. "In other words, there’s more of a focus on optimising the entire flowsheet," he said. As an end-to-end solutions provider, Weir has long understood the value of this approach. "We’ve worked closely with Bezant and its partners to develop a crushing and screening solution for the Hope and Gorob project that optimises the entire flowsheet and enables them to meet their ambitious production targets," Singleton said. Martyn Churchouse, Bezant Technical Director, said: ‘We are pleased to collaborate with Weir on this project. Their service centre, located less than an hour from the mine site, significantly reduces project risk from a service and support perspective. We recognise that crushing and screening plants require extensive maintenance, and having a hands-on partner who supports and stands behind their own equipment is essential to ensuring our success.’ About the Weir Group PLC Founded in 1871, The Weir Group PLC is one of the world’s leading engineering businesses with a purpose to make its mining and infrastructure customers’ operations more sustainable and efficient. Weir’s highly engineered technology enables critical resources to be produced using less energy, water and waste while reducing customers’ total cost of ownership. Weir is ideally positioned to benefit from structural trends that support long-term demand for its technology, including the need for more essential metals to support economic development and the carbon transition. The Group has c.12,000 employees operating in over 50 countries,with a presence in every major mining region of the world. Find out more at www.global.weir.com.

A delegation of members of the Australia Pacific Islands Business Council (APIBC), led by President Simon Gorman, will embark on a Northern Pacific business mission commencing on 4 March, with Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to be signed in Nauru, the Republic of the Marshall Islands and Guam. The MoU with Nauru will be formally signed in person on 4 March, following an earlier virtual signing during the Covid-19 pandemic. Similar MoUs will be signed in the Marshall Islands on 6 March and in Guam on 9 March. Each agreement recognises the shared objective of strengthening private sector linkages, promoting inclusive economic development and supporting employment growth through structured business cooperation. The MoUs provide a framework for collaboration between APIBC and local business chambers and industry bodies, focusing on trade promotion, investment facilitation, business networking and capacity development. They are designed to create practical pathways for engagement between Australian companies and Northern Pacific enterprises, including sector-specific cooperation and joint business initiatives. APIBC President Simon Gorman said: “From signing MoUs with the Marshall Islands and Guam Chambers of Commerce and following up on relationships arising from the APIBC Infrastructure Forum with delegations in Nauru and Palau, we have a jam-packed itinerary ahead of us.” Guam is the newest Associate Member of the Pacific Islands Forum, and this mission will mark the first formal engagement between APIBC and a Pacific Islands Forum member industry body in the territory. The engagement reflects growing recognition of Guam’s strategic and commercial role in the Northern Pacific. As part of the mission, the APIBC delegation will also visit Manila to meet senior executives of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) involved in Pacific programmes. Discussions will focus on strengthening collaboration between APIBC and ADB following the successful Pacific Infrastructure Conference 2025 in Brisbane, and on supporting future regional infrastructure engagement, including the Pacific Infrastructure Business Opportunities Seminar to be held in Nadi in May 2026. Australia maintains longstanding economic and development partnerships across the Pacific, including in Nauru and the Republic of the Marshall Islands, where Australian companies are active in sectors such as infrastructure, professional services, energy, water and logistics. The mission aims to build on these relationships and explore new areas of commercial collaboration. During the visit, the delegation will meet government officials, business leaders and development partners to advance dialogue on trade, investment, infrastructure development and private sector growth across the Northern Pacific. The Australia Pacific Islands Business Council (APIBC), established in 2000, is an independent association of businesses based in Australia and the Pacific Islands. It provides a framework for the private sector to engage with Australian and Pacific Islands governments at senior political and policy levels, supporting practical solutions to trade and investment issues. APIBC also offers members a strong regional network to advance their business interests across the Pacific. The Council works closely with the Australia Fiji Business Council and the Australia Papua New Guinea Business Council. Membership spans a broad cross-section of industries, including shipping, manufacturing, transport, aviation, professional services, construction, tourism, banking, energy, food and legal services, representing both major corporations and small family-owned enterprises.