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Prime Minister Matthew Wale called for closer alignment between monetary and fiscal policy to strengthen the resilience and stability of the Solomon Islands economy. Speaking during the recent Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Central Bank of Solomon Islands, Wale said effective coordination between government fiscal policies and central bank monetary measures was critical for responding to economic shocks, managing risks and creating conditions that encourage investment and employment growth. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to working closely with the central bank while pursuing legislative and policy reforms aimed at building a financial sector that is resilient, inclusive and responsive to the country's needs. Wale stressed that economic reforms should be tailored to local circumstances rather than copied directly from other countries. "What works in Singapore or London may not work in Honiara and what works in Honiara may not yet reach our outer islands," he said. "We must have the confidence to adopt what works, adapt what needs adjusting, and set aside what does not fit our circumstances." The prime minister said policy success should be measured by its impact on people's lives, particularly in a geographically dispersed nation where distance continues to challenge service delivery and economic participation. He added that economic coordination must extend beyond fiscal and monetary policy to include political stability and governance reforms. According to Wale, political instability and perceptions of sovereign risk have contributed to higher business costs in Solomon Islands for decades, discouraging investment and limiting economic opportunities. "For 50 years, political instability and perceived sovereign risk have driven up the cost of doing business in Solomon Islands. My government is determined to address this," he said. Wale said improving stability and investor confidence would be essential to unlocking sustainable economic growth and supporting the country's long-term development goals. The remarks were delivered as the Central Bank of Solomon Islands marked its 50th anniversary, highlighting the institution's role in safeguarding financial stability and supporting economic development since its establishment.

The Solomon Islands has applied to rejoin the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), marking a renewed commitment to transparency and accountability as the country seeks to develop its mineral resources sector. The EITI announced on June 19 that it had received an application from the Solomon Islands government to become an implementing country under the global transparency standard for the extractive industries. The application will be reviewed by the EITI Board's Outreach and Candidature Committee before being considered by the full EITI Board. "We warmly welcome Solomon Islands' application to rejoin the EITI," EITI Executive Director Mark Robinson said. "As the country seeks to develop its mineral resources, transparency and multi-stakeholder dialogue can help ensure that the sector is managed in a way that benefits citizens and supports sustainable development. We look forward to working with the government, companies and civil society as the application progresses through the EITI's candidature process." The Solomon Islands is endowed with significant deposits of gold, nickel, bauxite, copper and zinc. While mining currently plays a relatively modest role in the economy, the government has identified the sector as a key driver of future economic growth and public revenue generation. Authorities have also signaled their intention to strengthen transparency and accountability as interest in mineral development increases. The application follows a formal commitment by the government in May 2025 to re-engage with the EITI. At the time, the government announced plans to re-establish the national EITI Secretariat and a multi-stakeholder group to oversee implementation. The Solomon Islands previously implemented the EITI from 2012 to 2018 before withdrawing due to limited activity in its extractive sector. According to the EITI, the country's renewed candidature has been supported by international partners, including the United Kingdom and the United Nations Development Programme, which have worked with government agencies and civil society organizations to strengthen preparedness for implementation and promote inclusive participation. As part of the application process, the Solomon Islands has undertaken measures required under the EITI Standard, including securing a government commitment to implementation, establishing a multi-stakeholder group representing government, industry and civil society, appointing senior officials to lead implementation efforts, and developing a work plan to guide future activities. If approved by the EITI Board, the Solomon Islands would become the sixth country in the Asia-Pacific region to implement the EITI Standard and the 56th country worldwide to participate in the initiative. The EITI is a global standard that promotes the open and accountable management of oil, gas and mineral resources by requiring participating countries to disclose information across the extractive sector value chain, from licensing and contracts to revenue collection and distribution.

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.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Industry has taken another significant step towards improving service delivery in rural Fiji with the official launch of Starlink Internet Services at the Wainikoro Station in Macuata. Officially launching the service, Minister for Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Industry Tomasi Tunabuna said the installation marked an important milestone for the Ministry's operations in the Northern Division. Speaking before community representatives and Ministry staff, Tunabuna acknowledged the dedication and perseverance of officers who had continued to serve farming communities despite operating for many years without reliable internet connectivity. “Today is more than just the installation of an internet connection. It is a significant step forward in strengthening service delivery, improving communication, and creating better opportunities for our officers and the farming communities we serve,” he said. The Wainikoro Station is currently staffed by three Ministry officers who provide extension and advisory services to farmers across the tikinas of Nadogo, Dogotuki, Namuka, Udu and Cikobia. The introduction of reliable internet connectivity is expected to significantly enhance their ability to communicate, access information and deliver timely support to farming communities across these remote areas. The Starlink installation, valued at $11,322, will provide high-speed internet access to the station, enabling officers to access online reporting systems, agricultural research, weather information, technical support and training resources in real time. Tunabuna said the new connectivity would strengthen communication and collaboration between Ministry offices across Fiji while improving the quality and efficiency of services delivered to farmers. “Our officers will now have faster access to information, online resources, reporting systems, weather updates, agricultural research, training opportunities and communication platforms that are critical to modern agricultural services,” he said. He encouraged staff to fully utilise the new technology to improve productivity and service delivery while maintaining professionalism, integrity and commitment to the communities they serve. The Minister also acknowledged the vital role farmers play in supporting food security, economic growth and national development, urging them to continue working closely with extension officers to strengthen agricultural production throughout the province. “Agriculture remains the backbone of many families and communities. Success in agriculture is achieved through partnership, collaboration and mutual commitment. When farmers and officers work together, we can achieve greater results for our communities and our nation,” he said. Tunabuna said the improved connectivity would accelerate access to information and enable support services to be delivered more effectively to farmers throughout Wainikoro and the wider Macuata Province. The launch forms part of the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to modernise its operations and ensure that officers working in remote and rural areas have access to the digital tools needed to support Fiji’s agricultural sector. The Minister concluded by expressing confidence that the new internet service would empower staff, support farmers and create new opportunities for growth, innovation and prosperity within the community. In addition to launching the Starlink Internet Service, Tunabuna handed over the keys to the station’s official vehicle, which will be used by officers to visit farms, monitor agricultural activities and provide extension services to farmers. The vehicle is expected to improve officers’ mobility and strengthen the Ministry’s ability to provide timely support and technical assistance to farming communities across the station’s extensive service area. Tunabuna reminded staff that the vehicle was a valuable government asset and encouraged them to use it responsibly to better serve farmers and support agricultural development in the region.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $10 million grant facility aimed at strengthening project delivery, boosting resilience to environmental and disaster risks, supporting private sector development and accelerating sustainable economic growth in Vanuatu. The financing will establish the Vanuatu Sustainable Economic Transformation Facility, ADB's first Small Expenditure Financing Facility in the Pacific, providing flexible, multi-sector funding to help the government respond more effectively to emerging development challenges. ADB said the facility would enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of its investments in Vanuatu while supporting the country's long-term development priorities. "Vanuatu's development priorities are evolving rapidly in an increasingly uncertain environment," said Jyotsana Varma, regional director of ADB's Pacific Liaison and Coordination Office. "This facility gives the government the flexibility and capacity to respond to emerging challenges, strengthen project delivery, and invest in long-term resilience. By supporting institutional strengthening, private sector development, and critical services, it is an important step towards a more resilient and prosperous future for the people of Vanuatu." ADB noted that Vanuatu remains one of the world's most disaster-prone countries and continues to face challenges linked to its geographic isolation, limited institutional capacity and the high cost of delivering services across its dispersed island population. The financing is intended to help address these constraints while creating new opportunities in key government priority areas, including public-private partnerships, digital transformation, agricultural development and water security. An initial allocation of $2.5 million will be used to strengthen the capacity of the Vanuatu Project Management Unit and the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management. The funding will support project and financial management, procurement, safeguards and monitoring systems to improve implementation of development projects. The facility will also provide flexible financing to address project delivery challenges, improve the maintenance of critical infrastructure and services, and support rapid recovery efforts following natural disasters. The initiative will be funded through the Asian Development Fund, which provides grant financing to the poorest and most vulnerable countries in Asia and the Pacific. ADB said the facility would help build stronger institutions, improve service delivery and support sustainable economic transformation as Vanuatu continues to navigate increasing climate and development pressures. The bank, established in 1966, is owned by 69 member countries and supports sustainable, inclusive and resilient growth across Asia and the Pacific through financing, technical assistance and strategic partnerships.

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.

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

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