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At its weekly session on 10 December, the Government of New Caledonia approved a bill designed to promote economic attractiveness and modernise administrative and economic procedures. The legislation aims to restore trust between the administration and companies through measures that promote transparency, strengthen legal security, and improve administrative efficiency. Key provisions include: If the administration does not respond to a request within two months, it will be deemed accepted. Mistakes made in good faith by economic operators will no longer be treated as fraud. Administrative bodies will be required to share information already provided by users, reducing repetitive submissions under the “Tell us once” principle. The draft law also seeks to create a more competitive environment in line with international standards by introducing two fully digital services: A unique register of companies (RUE), replacing multiple existing registers such as RCS and RIDET. A one-stop digital enterprise (GUE), a centralised portal for all corporate formalities. To further simplify processes, the government proposes easing legal publications and streamlining corporate tax and social contributions. “It is a real priority for the government to be able to simplify the lives of businesses in New Caledonia,” said Christopher Gygès, member of the government for economy, budget and finance. “The unique register of companies will, among other things, significantly reduce the time needed to establish a company, from three months today to one day, and allow the various steps to be completed online. We have also removed numerous unnecessary administrative procedures that weigh on the economy and the entrepreneurial capacity of Caledonians," Gygès said. The bill also aims to facilitate and secure electronic transactions by removing obstacles to digitalisation, simplifying procedures, and modernising the legal value of electronic documents. This drive for administrative simplification and modernisation is intended to promote enterprise development, employment, and wealth creation. “This simplification should allow for more agility in the economy and therefore foster growth,” Gygès concluded.

Pacific Lime and Cement Limited has provided an update on construction progress at its Central Lime Project (CLP) in Papua New Guinea, reporting that activities remain on schedule and within budget. Construction continues to gain momentum across earthworks, wharf construction, access infrastructure, and early-stage processing facilities. Key highlights include: Kiln cutting is nearing completion, a major milestone in preparing the site for foundation works. Foundations for the fuel storage facility and batch plant have been completed, with installation scheduled to follow. Wharf Phase 3 design and offshore material procurement are advancing, while the wharf remains fully operational throughout the construction program. Development of access roads is improving logistics flow from the Port Moresby end to the mine lease boundary. On-site workshop facilities have been established and energisation is underway, enhancing fleet maintenance capacity ahead of peak activity. The workforce has grown to more than 200 personnel, with over 90% sourced from local villages, supporting regional employment and project participation. Managing Director Paul Mulder said: “It’s great to see continued momentum at the Central Lime Project. The team is hitting major construction targets and maintaining a disciplined approach as we work toward first production. The progress we’re seeing across the kiln precinct, wharf, access road and supporting infrastructure gives us increasing confidence as we move through the build.” The company remains on track to achieve first production within its planned 18-month development window. Pacific Lime and Cement Limited is advancing the development of Papua New Guinea’s lime and cement industry to supply essential building materials for the nation and the wider Asia–Pacific region. Anchored by its flagship Central Lime and Cement Projects, PLC is creating a fully integrated platform for local manufacturing, import substitution, and sustainable growth. The company’s diversified portfolio also extends to industrial sands, nature-based forestry carbon credits, and renewable energy, supporting its commitment to delivering cleaner, long-term solutions that build enduring value for PNG and its communities. PLC also holds an approximately 16.6% interest in copper–gold explorer and developer Adyton Resources Corporation. PLC’s strategy aims to support Papua New Guinea and the broader Asia–Pacific region on their decarbonisation journey by developing projects that deliver higher-quality, lower-cost, and targeted low-carbon inputs for the mining, resources, and construction sectors. These projects will be supported where applicable with a diversified renewable energy portfolio, including solar, wind, geothermal, nature-based forestry carbon credits, and battery storage initiatives. The company is committed to engaging with host communities throughout the lifecycle of its projects and incorporating internationally recognised Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) standards into its strategy and business practices.

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 Lenders’ Technical Advisors (LTA) Nor Consult have concluded their final engagement for 2025 with stakeholders of the Tina River Hydropower Development Project (TRHDP). The mission brought together representatives from the Project Office (PO) of the Solomon Islands Government (SIG), Tina Hydropower Limited (THL), Hyundai Engineering Corporation (HEC), World Bank funding parties, the Owner’s Engineer (OE), and other key partners. Its aim was to review overall project progress, address priority issues requiring further attention, and agree on next steps. During the mission, the team reviewed technical and safeguard priorities including the status of powerhouse foundation design actions, slope stabilisation measures, and the updated construction schedule. Operational matters were also discussed, covering biodiversity, workers’ welfare, reservoir management, core land company administration, and progress on Upper Tina catchment initiatives. Further attention was given to Tunnel Boring Machine progress, the Managikiki bypass variation, aggregate extraction planning, and implementation of the flood early warning system. Discussions additionally covered technical financing and contractual matters, transmission line contracting with Solomon Power, PO staffing and inspection routines, and preparations for the March 2026 combined mission. The one-week programme commenced on Monday, 24 November, with a joint site visit facilitated by the PO E&S Team to review field observations and key construction activities, including works at the right abutment and the RCC dam batching plant area. On 25 November, the mission continued with discussions on priority project issues in relation to Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) matters with the PO, followed by a meeting with THL and HEC to review actions arising from the previous combined mission. On 26 November, the team carried out a wide-ranging technical site assessment, detailed reviews of environmental and social matters with THL and HEC, and a targeted session with the PO E&S Team on incident reporting, monitoring, reservoir preparation, and upper catchment activities. Engagements on 27 November included meetings with CBSP and Solomon Power, followed by a briefing to the World Bank and ongoing PO–LTA coordination. The mission concluded on 28 November with technical and E&S wrap-up meetings. LTA specialists confirmed their availability for further consultations as required before departing the country on 1 December 2025. The TRHDP is the Solomon Islands’ first large-scale renewable energy project, aimed at delivering more affordable electricity and improving access to cleaner, more reliable energy for communities. The project is implemented by the Solomon Islands Government with financing and support from the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, the Asian Development Bank, the Government of Australia, the Green Climate Fund, Korea EX-IM Economic Development Cooperation Fund, and the World Bank.

A scientific team from the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST), operating under the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries of the Republic of Korea, has begun an initial marine site evaluation at the Makogai Fisheries Research Centre in Fiji. The mission marks the start of a comprehensive assessment to determine the area’s suitability for future sustainable mariculture initiatives. The five-day visit brings together KIOST specialists, mariculture experts from Jeju National University, and researchers from Fiji’s Ministry of Fisheries. Working collaboratively, the team is conducting a detailed examination of the coastal environment surrounding the Makogai Research Centre—a site historically used for marine research, hatchery work, and the restoration of vulnerable marine species. Their assessment focuses on key indicators essential for responsible mariculture planning, including water quality, hydrodynamic conditions, benthic habitat health, biodiversity, and the ecological resilience of surrounding reef systems. These data will help inform decisions on potential species for cultivation and the environmental safeguards required to ensure long-term sustainability. The initiative reflects growing international cooperation in ocean science, with Fiji and Korea strengthening ties in marine research, climate resilience, and sustainable aquaculture development. Findings from this evaluation are expected to support Fiji’s broader efforts to expand ocean-based livelihoods while protecting fragile marine ecosystems.

Fiji reached a significant milestone with the official launch of the Fiji Green Finance Taxonomy, a framework designed to guide sustainable and climate-aligned investments. The Taxonomy was formally launched by the Minister for Finance, Commerce and Business Development, Esrom Immanuel, at the Reserve Bank of Fiji (RBF) in Suva. Developed under the leadership of the RBF, the Taxonomy was produced in close partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Climate Bonds Initiative, with support from the Government of Australia. Extensive consultations with financial institutions, government agencies and development partners contributed to shaping the final framework. In his remarks, Immanuel highlighted several key points: The Taxonomy positions Fiji at the forefront of sustainable finance in the Pacific, providing a science-based system for classifying environmentally sustainable activities. It aligns with global priorities coming out of COP30, including the scale-up of climate finance, focus on adaptation and resilience, and greater transparency in climate reporting. The first version focuses on energy and transport, two major contributors to Fiji’s emissions, and will help channel private and public capital towards credible green investments. The framework will support access to concessional and blended finance, reduce greenwashing, and strengthen Fiji’s climate-resilient development pathway. Immanuel acknowledged the RBF’s leadership and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working closely with all partners to turn the Taxonomy into real, on-the-ground climate action for Fiji.

Vanuatu’s tourism sector is showing strong signs of recovery, according to the January–June 2025 International Visitor Survey (IVS) released jointly by the Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) and the Vanuatu Tourism Office (VTO). The survey, conducted under SPTO’s Pacific Tourism Data Initiative and funded by the New Zealand government, provides detailed insights into visitor behaviour, spending patterns, satisfaction levels, and tourism trends in the country. A total of 444 valid responses were analysed from 455 collected, representing 2% of international arrivals during the period. Most visitors travelled for holidays, followed by business and visiting friends and relatives. More than 57% were first-time visitors, drawn to Vanuatu’s island lifestyle, natural attractions, and unique culture. Visitor satisfaction remained high, with 92% saying they would recommend Vanuatu and 79% expressing a willingness to return. The warmth and friendliness of the Ni-Vanuatu people were highlighted as a key strength of the destination. Tourists also made a significant economic contribution. Average prepaid expenditure per traveller was USD 2,395, with in-country spending averaging USD 2,000 per visitor over an eight-night stay. Overall, the survey estimated the economic impact at USD 139 million for the first half of 2025. Despite positive indicators, the survey identified challenges. Visitors raised concerns about public infrastructure, airport processes, road conditions, pricing transparency, and domestic connectivity, which is still recovering following the liquidation of Air Vanuatu. Limited inter-island transport continues to restrict access to remote islands and communities. Sustainability remains important to travellers, with 87% saying responsible tourism matters to them and 63% likely to choose operators prioritising eco-friendly practices. During their visits, 81% reported observing responsible tourism initiatives. SPTO Chief Executive Christopher Cocker welcomed the findings, emphasising the importance of “data-driven decision-making to support resilient and sustainable tourism growth in Vanuatu.” VTO Chief Executive Adela Aru said the survey would guide marketing strategies, product development, and service improvements, particularly as the sector continues to recover from the 2024 earthquake and changes in the aviation landscape. With improved international connectivity, the resumption of cruise activity, and growing interest in community-based and sustainable tourism, the outlook for Vanuatu’s tourism sector in 2025 remains positive.

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.

Marine salvage is a discipline defined by urgency, complexity, and risk. Every operation is different, and every operation is high-stakes – multi-million-dollar assets, lives, and marine ecosystems are often at risk. In Melanesia, Pacific Towing (PacTow) has consistently demonstrated the expertise and resolve to tackle these challenges head-on. A homegrown Papua New Guinean business headquartered in Port Moresby, PacTow has earned its reputation as the region’s leading marine services provider. At the core of nearly every salvage operation PacTow undertakes is its commercial diving team – the only permanently based unit of its kind in Melanesia. Salvage Leadership with Global Recognition Over the past two decades, PacTow has completed close to 100 successful salvage and wreck removal operations, involving a diversity of vessels ranging from bulk carriers to general cargo ships, and from fishing vessels to yachts. These projects have taken PacTow not only across PNG but also further afield – throughout Melanesia, into Micronesia, across to Indonesia, and even into northern Australia. This extensive track record underscores both the demand for and the trust in PacTow’s capability. That capability is further evidenced by PacTow’s standing in the global salvage community. It remains Melanesia’s only full member of the International Salvage Union (ISU), the body that represents the world’s leading professional salvors. It is also the region’s only member of the International Spill Control Organization (ISCO), reflecting its role in protecting marine environments. These affiliations are not merely symbolic; they attest to PacTow’s adherence to international standards of salvage practice, safety, and environmental stewardship. Commercial Diving: The Essential Ingredient What distinguishes PacTow from many other salvage operators is the central role of its commercial diving team. Salvage operations – whether patching hull breaches, sealing fuel tanks, or rigging heavy lifts – are almost always dependent on skilled divers working in hazardous conditions. PacTow’s diving team brings a combination of local knowledge, international training, and experience that is unmatched in the region. There are 18 divers – all Papua New Guinean – in PacTow’s commercial diving team. Diving Manager Ricky Leka has been diving for PacTow for 20 years and leading his team for 13. Another seven divers have been with the company for more than 10 years. Uniquely, the PacTow diving team is the only permanently based commercial diving operation in Melanesia. This ensures that PNG and neighbouring nations have 24/7 access to a highly qualified dive team without the costs and delays of flying in specialists from more developed countries further afield. The team holds both PNG and Australian diving certifications – a rare dual qualification that guarantees compliance with regulatory frameworks. PacTow’s divers also regularly travel for international training, honing skills in subsea engineering, salvage techniques, and safety systems. The company also supports PNG’s diver recompression facility in Port Moresby, and several of its divers are certified hyperbaric chamber technicians. Beyond Salvage: Serving PNG’s Oil and Gas Sector While salvage remains the most high-profile demonstration of PacTow’s diving expertise, the team’s contribution extends well beyond emergency response. As PNG’s oil and gas industry continues to expand, demand for reliable and locally available subsea services is growing. PacTow’s divers are increasingly engaged in underwater inspections, maintenance of subsea infrastructure, and pipeline support. Their capacity to provide a cost-effective and certified local solution is vital for a sector that values safety, efficiency, and the minimisation of downtime. A Regional Asset with Local Commitment PacTow’s investment in its commercial diving team is not just about building technical capability; it is also about developing local capacity. This is evident in the five young commercial diving trainees currently in PacTow’s team. By developing homegrown divers and technicians, the company contributes to skills transfer and workforce development in PNG. This ensures that the nation has its own cadre of diving professionals who can respond to crises and support its economic growth. Conclusion Marine salvage will always be a demanding field, and in Melanesia, it is PacTow that consistently answers the call. Central to that capability is its commercial diving team – the region’s only permanent professional diving operation, staffed by divers with international qualifications and unparalleled local knowledge. Pacific Towing is Melanesia’s largest marine services business. It employs more than 250 staff and has a fleet of 20 vessels. It provides a broad spectrum of marine services including towage, emergency response, commercial diving, life raft services, and salvage. PacTow is part of the larger maritime and land Logistics Division of the Steamships Group. To learn more about PacTow, visit: www.pacifictowingmarineservices.com

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, MP, commends recipients of Japan’s Royal Decorations and celebrates the enduring partnership between the Solomon Islands and Japan. Manele delivered the statement this evening as guest of honour at a ceremony hosted by His Excellency Ambassador Keiichi Higuchi to confer distinguished decorations bestowed by His Majesty Emperor Naruhito of Japan. The Prime Minister conveyed the warm congratulations of the Government and people of the Solomon Islands to the honourees, acknowledging their remarkable contributions to reconciliation and historical preservation between the two nations. He expressed pride that the awards presented were conferred by His Majesty Emperor Naruhito, reflecting the esteem in which the recipients are held by the Government and people of Japan. Francis Deve was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays, for his decades of dedicated support to Japanese search missions across multiple provinces since 1986, while Willie Besi received the Order of the Rising Sun, Silver Rays, in recognition of his and his late father’s vital contributions to similar missions dating back to 1980. Mato Mui Liliau received the Foreign Minister’s Commendation for continuing his family’s legacy since 2006 by providing logistical support to search missions and safeguarding Japanese war memorials on his property. “Your dedication ensures that history is honoured with dignity and that families in Japan find long-awaited closure,” the Prime Minister stated. Prime Minister Manele also reaffirmed the Solomon Islands Government’s appreciation for Japan’s steady and extensive partnership since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1978. He welcomed Japan’s significant investments in the health sector, particularly the SBD 120 million upgrade and expansion of Kilu’ufi Hospital in Malaita Province, and expressed the Government of National Unity and Transformation’s (GNUT) interest in expanding similar collaborations to other provinces. On economic development, the Prime Minister outlined recent Japanese economic assistance, including the SBD 190 million emergency loan for COVID-19 stabilisation and development, USD 1.5 million to the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources for essential equipment and supplies, and the SBD 22.8 million grant for government social and economic programs. The Prime Minister noted that Japan continues to contribute to transformative infrastructure projects nationwide, including the SBD 243 million Kukum Highway Project, upgrades to Honiara International Airport, market jetties in Auki, improvements at Honiara Port, solar street lighting, and a geological laboratory for the Ministry of Mines (SBD 3.1 million), USD 76,770 for the Haʻapai community water supply, as well as the SBD 30 million Fisheries Research Center at SINU. “These investments align with GNUT’s priority to advance social and economic infrastructure in Honiara and across the provinces,” the Prime Minister highlighted. Japan also continues to strengthen the Solomon Islands’ security capabilities through its support for unexploded ordnance (UXO) operations within the RSIPF and the Ministry of Police, the provision of specialised training for the RSIPF Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit, the donation of a landing craft valued at approximately SBD 7 million, and assistance for a used fire truck for the RSIPF Fire and Rescue Services. Prime Minister Manele expressed profound gratitude for Japan’s ongoing contributions to national safety and stability. In the education sector, the Prime Minister highlighted Japan’s enduring commitment, including USD 80,629 for a new classroom at Numbu Community High School, USD 86,666 for a classroom building at Beiporo Primary School, and continued opportunities through MEXT and JICA scholarships at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. He also acknowledged the 149 million Yen Human Resource Development Scholarship, the first of its kind in the Pacific, which supports young Solomon Islands officials pursuing master’s degrees in Japan. Prime Minister Manele requested His Excellency Ambassador Higuchi to convey his sincere appreciation to His Majesty Emperor Naruhito, and to the Government and people of Japan, for honouring Solomon Islanders whose work has strengthened bilateral understanding and remembrance.