Contractors, consultants, financiers and development partners gathered in Fiji last month for the Pacific Infrastructure Business Opportunities Seminar, highlighting a growing pipeline of infrastructure projects across the region and opportunities for businesses to participate in their delivery.
The Pacific's expanding infrastructure programme was the focus of the Pacific Infrastructure Business Opportunities Seminar, or PIBOS, 2026, hosted by the Asian Development Bank, the World Bank and the Fiji government.
Held at the Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa from May 25 to 27, the seminar brought together international, regional and local contractors, consultants, development financiers and government agencies interested in infrastructure projects across Pacific island countries.
The event forms part of ADB's engagement with the private sector and provides businesses with an opportunity to learn about upcoming infrastructure projects and procurement opportunities throughout the region.
According to ADB, the programme covered infrastructure development activities across the Pacific, with opportunities spanning transport, energy, water, telecommunications, climate resilience and other essential services. A pre-seminar masterclass also addressed procurement requirements, environmental and social safeguards, and project delivery expectations.
Discussions focused on forthcoming project opportunities, procurement pathways and practical considerations for businesses seeking to participate in development-funded infrastructure programmes.
The seminar underscored the scale of infrastructure investment being directed towards the Pacific by multilateral development banks, bilateral development partners and Pacific governments. Infrastructure development remains a priority for many island nations seeking to improve economic growth, resilience and regional connectivity.
Representatives from government agencies, development finance institutions and private sector organisations involved in infrastructure delivery attended the event.
A strong Australian and New Zealand business presence was evident, with members of the Australia Pacific Islands Business Council, Australia Fiji Business Council and Australia Papua New Guinea Business Council participating alongside representatives from engineering, construction, telecommunications, advisory and professional services firms.
Pacific-based businesses were also represented, using the seminar to gain a better understanding of upcoming project opportunities and connect with project owners, financiers and delivery partners.
ADB and its partners highlighted the importance of increasing local and regional private sector participation in infrastructure delivery. Discussions included initiatives aimed at improving access for Pacific small and medium-sized enterprises and strengthening local capacity to participate in development-funded projects.
With Pacific governments continuing to pursue major investments in transport, energy, telecommunications, water and climate-resilient infrastructure, the seminar provided businesses with insights into the region's evolving project pipeline and opportunities to establish relationships that may support future project delivery.
