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Regional growth and trade resilience are under renewed scrutiny as Pacific Trade Invest (PTI) launched the 2026 Pacific Islands Export Survey, inviting businesses across 16 Forum Island Countries to participate in the region’s only longitudinal study of exporter sentiment. The survey comes at a time when global trade conditions are increasingly shaped by evolving tariff settings, geopolitical competition, freight volatility, labour constraints and climate-related pressures. PTI said it is critical that Pacific businesses ensure their voices are reflected in the evidence shaping regional economic priorities. Conducted every two years since 2014, the survey has generated more than a decade of primary research tracking exporter performance, confidence, barriers and emerging opportunities. In a region where comprehensive private sector statistics remain limited, it remains one of the few credible sources of regionally generated data. The Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum, Baron Divavesi Waqa, said the initiative aligns with the region’s long-term vision under the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. “Our 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent calls for a resilient, inclusive and sustainable regional economy shaped by Pacific priorities and Pacific voices. The survey provides an important avenue for exporters and tourism operators to contribute directly to this shared endeavour, strengthening the evidence that supports regional cooperation and coordinated economic action,” Waqa said. Recognising tourism as a core services export, the survey explicitly includes businesses that sell to international visitors. PTI said strong participation from tourism operators would strengthen the overall dataset and ensure service exports are fully represented alongside goods exports in regional reporting. The survey, which takes about 10 minutes to complete and is mobile-friendly, is open to goods and services exporters, tourism businesses, chambers of commerce and industry associations. Participants are encouraged to share the survey through their networks to broaden representation in regional trade policy discussions. PTI Network General Manager Caleb Jarvis said strong participation would be critical to ensuring business perspectives are reflected in regional trade and economic deliberations. “In 2024, participating businesses identified freight costs, market access constraints and labour shortages among the most significant barriers to growth. Strong participation in 2026 — across all operators, big and small — will ensure the evidence reflects the breadth of business conditions across our region and strengthens the case for practical, targeted support,” Jarvis said. Founded in 1979, Pacific Trade Invest facilitates trade and investment in the Pacific and works to strengthen export capability and international market access for businesses across the region. The survey is available at: pti.mobi/PacificIslandsExportSurvey2026-5

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 Alisuri Sustainable Livelihood Association in Marokafo village, an inland community in the northern region of Malaita Province, is helping women save money to support their families. The association is one of 45 Agribusiness Producer Organisations (ABPOs) in Malaita Province supported by the Solomon Islands Agriculture Rural Transformation (SIART) Project — a partnership between the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock and the World Bank. Through active involvement in the management and production of cocoa, women in the community have established a Women’s Savings Club, which now forms part of their ABPO. “We started off with each woman giving their contributions to the saving club,” the women told a SIART team that recently visited the community. The club currently has 32 members, comprising wives and children of local farmers who are members of the ABPO in Marokafo village. ABPOs are groups of farmers and agri-entrepreneurs who work together to access markets, financing and support services. “Through our support towards our cocoa farms, we have been able to save money to meet our family obligations,” the women said. When the SIART team conducts farmer training in the area, the association engages the Women’s Savings Club to provide catering services. “Just recently we supported the association in clearing nurseries for our farmers who are members of the association and they paid us for the labour. This is an example of how women in our community are benefitting,” they said. Chairman of the Alisuri Sustainable Livelihood Association, Elton Eteka, said the ABPO has 29 household farmers, with women also registered as members. Each household maintains between 200 and 4,000 cocoa trees. The association purchases wet beans from its members as well as from farmers in surrounding communities before processing them. SIART supports the ABPO with processing facilities and a revolving fund to initiate the purchase of wet beans. The association transports the dried beans to buyers in the provincial capital, Auki, and shares the profits with member households. “When each household harvests, they leave aside money for women to save in their saving club,” Eteka said. “One good thing about the saving club is when the association pays for wet beans and is short of cash, our association borrows money from the saving club and repays it with interest, which helps in growing the women’s savings,” he added. The association also allows women to purchase wet beans from farmers, process them and sell the dried product, with all earnings directed to the savings club. During peak season, individual farmers in Marokafo village can earn up to $6,000 from a single harvest. For the association, Eteka said that after purchasing wet beans from farmers, it can generate up to $50,000 in a fortnight during high crop periods. SIART remains committed to working with ABPOs in rural communities to increase agricultural production and, more importantly, improve livelihoods in rural areas.

The Asian Development Bank and the Pacific Islands Forum have signed a partnership agreement aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and accelerating climate and development initiatives across the Pacific. ADB President Masato Kanda and Pacific Islands Forum Secretary-General Baron Waqa formalised the agreement on Thursday, setting out a framework to align the institutions’ resources and expertise in support of what they described as a more resilient, sustainable and prosperous Pacific region. “The remote and geographically dispersed nations of the Pacific stand to benefit immensely from regional cooperation and integration,” Kanda said. “The strength of the Pacific lies in its unity. By standing together, we can achieve common objectives — from protecting shared ocean resources to building economic resilience — far more effectively than any country could alone. This agreement is our foundation to think bigger and move faster.” Waqa said the partnership reinforces Pacific-led approaches to development and climate action. “This partnership strengthens our collective efforts to deliver Pacific-led solutions that build resilience, expand opportunity, and mobilise climate and development finance in line with the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific,” he said. Both organisations have more than 50 years of engagement with Pacific island countries. The new agreement builds on three decades of cooperation and formalises collaboration on economic competitiveness, community resilience, disaster preparedness and the blue economy. Under the pact, ADB and the Forum will coordinate on high-priority initiatives, including the Regional Programmatic Approach for Climate Action, the Pacific Fiscal Resilience Initiative and a proposed multi-donor trust fund for disaster risk financing. The initiatives are intended to help Pacific nations address shared challenges through pooled resources, harmonised policies and collective action. ADB, founded in 1966, is owned by 69 members, including 50 from the Asia-Pacific region. The multilateral development bank supports inclusive, resilient and sustainable growth across Asia and the Pacific through financing, technical assistance and strategic partnerships.

Pacific Tourism Organisation has announced a strategic partnership with Fiji Airways as platinum partner for the South Pacific Tourism Exchange (SPTE) 2026. The event will be held from March 25 to 26, 2026, at the Crowne Plaza Resort & Spa under the theme “Tourism that Connects: Culture, Climate, Community”. SPTE 2026 will highlight the Pacific’s collective journey as a region united by shared heritage, environmental stewardship and community-driven tourism development. Drawing inspiration from the Pacific vaka — a symbol of connection, navigation and partnership — the event aims to reinforce regional collaboration to strengthen tourism resilience and sustainable growth. The partnership reflects Fiji Airways’ continued support for tourism development across the Pacific and efforts to strengthen connectivity between Pacific destinations and global markets. SPTE resumed in 2023 in Christchurch, New Zealand, after a four-year hiatus following international border closures. The event attracted Pacific sellers and international buyers from key global markets. Organisers said the 2026 edition will build on that momentum to deepen engagement between global tourism operators and the Pacific region’s offerings. As part of the collaboration, Fiji Airways will provide flight support for selected trade partners, international media and key tourism stakeholders to enable broader participation and market exposure for Pacific tourism operators. SPTE 2026 will continue its role as the Pacific’s premier tourism marketplace, providing opportunities for international buyers and tourism operators to engage directly with the region’s tourism offerings, including emerging destinations and community-based experiences. SPTO Chief Executive Officer Christopher Cocker welcomed the partnership. “Fiji Airways is more than a carrier for our region — it is a connector of Pacific people, cultures, and economies. This partnership reflects our shared vision of navigating the future of Pacific tourism together, much like our ancestors who voyaged across the ocean guided by knowledge, trust, and collaboration. Through SPTE 2026, we are strengthening our collective vaka by creating pathways for sustainable tourism that support our communities, safeguards our environment, and celebrate our cultural identity,” he said. Cocker added that reliable air connectivity remains fundamental to ensuring equitable participation of Pacific destinations in global tourism opportunities and strengthening regional economic development. Fiji Airways Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Paul Scurrah reaffirmed the airline’s commitment to supporting the sector. “As the Pacific’s world-class flagship carrier, Fiji Airways is proud to partner with Pacific Tourism Organisation for SPTE 2026. True connectivity goes beyond flights; it’s about linking communities, enabling opportunity, and sharing the Pacific’s story with the world. “Tourism is a key economic driver for our region, and SPTE provides a valuable platform to create new business opportunities, attract investment, and support long-term resilience across Pacific destinations.” The event will convene tourism operators, international buyers, development partners and media to strengthen partnerships, generate business opportunities and showcase Pacific experiences. It will also feature an Industry Day and a dedicated Women in Business component aimed at reinforcing collaboration, knowledge exchange and inclusive growth across the regional tourism sector.

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.

PNG Air continues to strengthen its operations and network with the arrival of its fourth ATR aircraft in six months, part of the airline’s ongoing fleet renewal programme, increasing capacity to meet growing demand across the country. The new aircraft will maximise the expanded schedule and enhance operational reliability as PNG Air continues to serve and better connect communities, businesses, and essential services throughout Papua New Guinea. Investment in the fleet has already contributed to measurable improvements in operational performance. In January 2026, PNG Air achieved an on-time performance of 87.12%, considered an exceptionally strong result by global industry standards. Leading airlines worldwide typically operate within an on-time range of 75% to 85%. The airline also reduced cancellations to just 1.52% in January, reflecting improved aircraft availability and operational excellence. These results mean fewer disruptions and more dependable travel for passengers — a critical factor in a country where air transport plays a central role in daily life and economic activity. “Every investment we make in our fleet is about reliability,” PNG Air said. “Our goal is to operate consistently and get our customers where they need to be, when they need to be there — because in Papua New Guinea, air travel is essential.” The expanded fleet supports PNG Air’s revised network schedule introduced in December 2025, now operating across 22 destinations using a fleet of ATR and Dash 8 aircraft. Additional aircraft have enabled: Reinstated services to Vanimo and Kavieng New direct routes to Madang and Hoskins Overnight aircraft positioning to improve early morning departures and network reliability Capacity has also increased significantly since December 2025, representing a 269% increase year on year. Investing for the Long Term The latest aircraft arrival forms part of PNG Air’s broader strategy to modernise its fleet and build a stronger operation to support Papua New Guinea’s national development. “Reliable air service is more than convenience — it is critical infrastructure. Strengthening our fleet allows us to improve performance today while building the foundation for long-term growth,” the airline said. About PNG Air For nearly four decades, PNG Air has connected the people of Papua New Guinea with safe, reliable, and affordable air services. Listed on the Port Moresby Stock Exchange since 2008, the airline is majority-owned by Papua New Guinean institutions, including the MRDC Group and NasFund, and supported by approximately 2,900 local shareholders. PNG Air currently operates more than 460 flights each week across 22 destinations, providing essential passenger and cargo services that support economic development, community connectivity, and national unity. In 2024, the airline carried over 150,000 passengers, underscoring its pivotal role as a national connector.

Fiji’s business community came together in grand style on Saturday, November 29, at the Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort for the 33rd Prime Minister’s International Business Awards (PMIBA) 2025, drawing over 700 guests for an elegant gala recognising the nation’s top-performing companies. Organised by Investment Fiji and supported by sponsors including major sponsor FIJI Water, the awards celebrated excellence across 18 categories, recognising achievements in sectors ranging from manufacturing, agriculture, tourism and services to innovation and export. A total of 18 winners were honoured, reflecting the diversity and dynamism of Fiji’s business landscape. The awards, themed “Navigating Global Winds – Resilience, Innovation and Sustainable Growth,” highlighted companies demonstrating exceptional performance, sustainable practices, and a commitment to innovation despite global economic challenges. Attendees included business leaders, industry partners, government representatives and stakeholders, who praised the event as a platform that celebrates resilience, growth, and competitiveness in both local and international markets. Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Civil Service & Public Enterprise, Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka, Member of Parliament Hon. Manoa Kamikamica, the Chief Guest, emphasised the critical role of the private sector in Fiji’s economic future. “Fiji’s private sector remains a vital driver of our economy, creating jobs, boosting exports and supporting diversification. With 212 investment projects worth over $6.2 billion in the pipeline and foreign direct investment forecasted to grow by 23%, this reflects strong confidence in the stability and direction of our economy,” Hon. Kamikamica said. Investment Fiji Chair Ms. Jenny Seeto highlighted the quality of entries, noting over 200 applications were received this year. “The calibre of entries reflects the strength and ambition of Fiji’s business sector. I congratulate all our winners and finalists, and sincerely thank our sponsors whose support forms the backbone of these awards,” she said. FIJI Water Associate Vice President Susie Waqanibaravi added, “FIJI Water is proud to support a platform that recognises business excellence and the leaders driving Fiji forward. We extend our warmest congratulations to Rosie Holidays as the Supreme Award winner, as well as all other category winners. Vinaka vakalevu to Investment Fiji for delivering another remarkable celebration of business achievement.” Key Category Winners: Supreme Award (FIJI Water): Rosie Holidays Premier Large Business Operating Internationally (BSP Financial Group Limited): Fiji Airports Ltd Premier Medium Business Operating Internationally (Westpac Fiji): Vuvale Outsourcing Pte Ltd Premier Small Business Operating Internationally (DHL Express Fiji): Bula Coffee Excellence in Innovation (Swire Shipping): DUCO Consultancy Pte Ltd Excellence in E-Commerce Transformation (HFC Bank): Fiji Airways Best Sustainability Initiative (Tropik Wood Industries Ltd): Waste Recyclers (Fiji) Ltd Employer of the Year (Fiji National Provident Fund): Motibhai & Company Ltd Excellence in Service (Tower Insurance): Rosie Holidays Executive of the Year (Telecom Fiji): Mesake Nawari – Fiji Airports Ltd Excellence in Outsourcing (Vodafone Fiji): KPMG Advisory (Fiji) Pte Ltd – Fiji Dynamic Delivery Centre Excellence in Fisheries (Reserve Bank of Fiji): Pacific Fishing Company Ltd Excellence in Agribusiness Innovation (Ministry of Agriculture & Waterways): Food Processors (Fiji) Pte Ltd Excellence in Forestry (Ministry of Forestry): Tropik Wood Industries Ltd Excellence in Yasana (Provincial) Aspiration (iTaukei Executive Forum): Rewa Provincial Holding Company Ltd Recognition Awards: Jay Singh – Crowne Plaza Nadi Bay Resort & Spa, Damodar North Pte Ltd, Tappoo Group of Companies The PMIBA remains one of Fiji’s most prestigious business accolades, reaffirming the partnership between government and the private sector in building a resilient, innovative, and sustainable economy. The evening served as both a celebration of past achievements and an inspiration for continued excellence in the years ahead.