Fiji’s digital journey is set to accelerate as the government launches a phased rollout of 5G technology, starting this year in the nation’s busiest cities before extending to rural and maritime communities. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Communications Manoa Kamikamica unveiled the Cabinet-endorsed 5G Spectrum Assignment and Rollout Strategy i...

The Cook Islands and the United States have agreed to strengthen cooperation on scientific research and the responsible development of seabed mineral resources, marking a significant milestone in their partnership as the Pacific nation celebrated its 60th anniversary of self-government on 4 August. The joint announcement reflects the shared recognition...

Weir is pleased to announce the appointment of Mick Henderson as Regional Managing Director for the Minerals Division in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, effective immediately. Mick brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of delivering results across Eastern Australia and the Pacific Islands. His deep regional insight and customer-first ...

Fiji’s Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, Tomasi Tunabuna, has reaffirmed his determination to strengthen the country’s agriculture sector, calling for commitment and collaboration from all corners of the industry. Speaking to stakeholders, Tunabuna said that the sector’s growth depends on the sustained efforts of farmers, agribusinesses, industry...

The Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) has been allocated $284.4 million in the 2025-2026 Budget to deliver major upgrades to water and wastewater infrastructure across the country. The funding will go towards upgrading water sources and treatment plants, improving water pipes and supply systems, and reducing water loss. A further $4.9 million will be used ...

The Ministry of National Planning and Development Coordination (MNPDC) has begun a review of the Solomon Islands National Infrastructure Investment Plan (SINIIP) to ensure major projects are better prioritised and aligned with national development goals. A national workshop was held on 13 August, bringing together senior government officials, state-own...

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has met with Dr. Fahad Al Taffaq, the United Arab Emirates Ambassador to Australia, in a bid to deepen ties and explore new avenues of cooperation between Solomon Islands and the UAE. During talks in Honiara, Manele shared updates on the Bina Harbour project, describing it as a transformational initiative for the nation. ...

The Solomon Islands has taken a major step toward transforming its economy with the launch of the Goldridge Mine Processing Plant Expansion Project, a multi-billion-dollar investment expected to boost national revenue, create thousands of jobs and deliver lasting benefits for landowners and communities. Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony in Centra...

The Kingdom of Tonga and The Metals Company’s (TMC) subsidiary Tonga Offshore Mining Ltd. (TOML) have signed a revised sponsorship agreement aimed at strengthening Tonga’s stake in the future development of seafloor mineral resources. The new pact updates the terms of their 2021 agreement ensuring that Tongans will continue to receive financial benefit...

Swire Shipping, a leading shipping company in the Asia-Pacific, announced a significant upgrade to its North Asia Express (NAX) service with the introduction of fixed-day weekly sailings and expanded capacity. Effective 22 August 2025, the service will offer market-leading speed and reliability, significantly enhancing connectivity between the Chinese ...

TE Pacific Group, through its Papua New Guinea operation TE PNG, has entered into a strategic partnership with Lightspeed Fiji to strengthen and expand information and communications technology (ICT) services across Fiji. The partnership combines TE PNG’s proven experience in delivering large-scale ICT and critical communications projects across the Pa...

Prime Minister James Marape has described the official visit of New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon as a “historic and defining moment” in bilateral relations, reaffirming a shared commitment to peace, prosperity and Pacific solidarity. The visit, from 4 to 6 August, marked a milestone in Papua New Guinea’s diplomatic history as Mr Luxon becam...

Once stripped bare by bushfires, the Ouassé watershed in Canala, New Caledonia is slowly coming back to life thanks to more than a decade of restoration work — and a fresh boost from the Shared Water Policy (PEP) Fund. The Ouassé tribe, an isolated community about 30 kilometres from Canala’s main village, depends on the river’s catchment for its drinki...

The Government of Fiji, in partnership with the Pacific Community (SPC) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO), has celebrated the official commissioning of the IMO Regional Presence Office (RPO) for the Pacific — a historic milestone in strengthening maritime governance, safety and sustainability across the region. Speaking at the commissio...

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Communications Manoa Kamikamica opened the 2nd Pacific ICT Ministerial Dialogue on 8 August, 2025 with a strong appeal for renewed regional unity, collaboration and ambition in the digital space. Speaking in Suva, Kamikamica reaffirmed the symbolic and strategic importance of the Lagatoi Declaration, first adopted...

The East Micronesia Cable landed in Tarawa, Kiribati on 26 July 2025 with the international telecommunications cable now just months away from being ready for service. The occasion was marked by a ceremony celebrating the floating in of the cable to the Tarawa landing site from the cable-laying ship, using a large ceremonial buoy. Kiribati President Ta...

In recognition of World Mangrove Day, Loloata Island Resort led a coastal rehabilitation activity involving resort guests, local staff and volunteers, highlighting its ongoing commitment to marine conservation, ecological restoration and sustainable tourism. The event saw the planting of 58 Aegialitis annulata seedlings in polybags and the transplantat...

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Hon Viliame Gavoka urged the international community to move from ideas to action as he officially opened the 2025 Global Sustainable Tourism Conference at the Sofitel Resort in Denarau, Nadi on 5 August 2025. Organised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council in collaboration with Tour...

The Ministry of Trade, Co-operatives, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and Communications is pleased to announce that the European Union (EU) has officially activated the global sourcing derogation, allowing processed fishery products from Fiji to benefit from preferential access under the Interim Economic Partnership Agreement (IEPA). This ...

The Ministry of Trade, Co-operatives, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and Communications welcomes the United States’ decision to reduce the reciprocal tariff on Fijian-origin exports from 32 percent to 15 percent. This development follows sustained and principled engagement by Fiji with the Office of the United States Trade Representative (...

A new global survey of mining executives has delivered a sobering outlook for Oceania, with several Pacific jurisdictions pegged at the lower end of global investment rankings despite their untapped mineral wealth. The Fraser Institute’s 2024 Annual Survey of Mining Companies, which assessed 82 jurisdictions based on geological potential and government...

The Oceania Customs Organisation (OCO), representing 24 Pacific Island Customs administrations, has joined the Pacific E-commerce Alliance, as global digital trade reaches unprecedented levels. The partnership—approved during OCO’s annual conference in Guam—brings crucial Customs expertise to the alliance, which was coordinated by the Pacific Islands Foru...

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Government of the Solomon Islands have signed a partnership agreement for a US$20 million initiative aimed at improving food security, enhancing nutrition and strengthening resilience to climate change. The six-year project will directly benefit more than 18,000 people. The Agricultural...

The long-awaited reopening of Govind Park, now renamed Four R Stadium, took place on 31 July, marking a significant milestone after the iconic venue was severely damaged by Cyclone Winston in 2016. Officiating at the event was the Minister for Housing and Local Government Maciu Nalumisa, who said the redevelopment is part of a broader vision in which s...