E-commerce is a key priority under the Pacific Aid-for-Trade Strategy, recognised for its potential to reduce trade costs, connect markets, and support economic diversification across the region. In 2021, Forum Trade Ministers tasked the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) with coordinating the implementation of the Pacific Regional E-commerce Strategy and Roadmap.
To support this work, PIFS launched the ePulse programme in 2025. The programme includes an M&E system that helps countries track progress on their national e-commerce strategies, training on how to use the system, and ongoing technical assistance from PIFS and IT partners.
Tonga is the first country to complete the training component of ePulse. Ms Kathleen Walters from the Ministry of Trade and Economic Development spent more than two weeks in Suva working with the PIFS E-commerce Unit to learn the governance framework, methodology and online monitoring system. With the Tonga National E-commerce Strategy and Roadmap now uploaded onto the platform, Tonga can begin tracking its implementation progress.
The ePulse program is possible because national e-commerce strategies follow the same methodology as the regional one. ePulse is based on the M&E framework created for the regional strategy and provides a practical, ready-made monitoring tool, removing the need for countries to develop their own systems or invest in new platforms. It is a clear example of how regional cooperation can reduce duplication and save resources.
PIFS welcomes new participants. Countries are eligible if they have an approved national e-commerce strategy and a designated M&E officer. Interested countries can join by submitting a formal letter to PIFS.
The ePulse programme is supported by Australia. PIFS will continue to provide technical guidance and system maintenance to ensure the platform remains a useful tool for national monitoring and looks forward to more Forum Island Countries joining in 2026.
