The Fiji government has defended its borrowing programme, arguing that public debt is being used primarily to finance long-term infrastructure projects that will strengthen economic growth and improve productivity rather than fund day-to-day government expenditure. Responding to public debate over the country's fiscal position following the release of ...

The Fiji government has continued distributing compensation to former Vatukoula mine workers and their families, advancing efforts to resolve one of the country's longest-running industrial disputes. Permanent Secretary for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations Jone Maritino Nemani last week handed over compensation payments to 13 former min...

Pacific Island countries have adopted a regional strategy aimed at improving access to climate finance, strengthening institutional capacity and promoting innovative funding mechanisms to help address the region's growing climate challenges. The Pacific Regional Climate Finance Access and Mobilisation Strategy 2025-2030, endorsed by Pacific Islands For...

Pacific island economies are expected to experience slower economic growth in 2026 as higher fuel and food prices, weaker tourism and rising import costs continue to weigh on activity despite government measures to cushion the impact, according to the Asian Development Bank's (ADB) latest economic outlook. The ADB lowered its growth forecast for the Pa...

Fiji is developing its first Low-Carbon Maritime Transport Roadmap as part of efforts to modernize the country's shipping sector, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support regional decarbonization goals. The roadmap will provide a framework for transitioning Fiji's maritime industry toward lower-carbon operations while improving maritime data systems...

Fiji and Kiribati have reaffirmed their commitment to deepen cooperation on infrastructure development, renewable energy and climate resilience as the two Pacific island nations seek to address common development challenges. Fiji's Minister for Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport, Ro Filipe Tuisawau, met with Kiribati's Minister for Inf...

Fiji's Real Estate Agents Licensing Board (REALB) and Fiji National University (FNU) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen professional standards in the country's real estate sector through structured education, industry-focused training and continuing professional development. The agreement, signed at FNU's Nabua Campus, establ...

The Solomon Islands Government has begun consulting mining companies, customary landowners and other stakeholders on proposed reforms to its mining legislation aimed at attracting investment while strengthening environmental safeguards and community participation. The consultations form part of the Solomon Islands Sustainable Mining Development Project...

Twenty-nine vendors from Laqere Market in Nasinu have completed a two-day cooperative management training program designed to strengthen the governance, financial management and long-term sustainability of their cooperative as Fiji continues to promote cooperatives as drivers of inclusive economic development. The participants are members of the Laqere...

Vanuatu is advancing a series of economic initiatives aimed at strengthening investment, improving public sector project delivery and expanding its fisheries industry, even as diplomatic tensions with New Caledonia have cast uncertainty over regional trade. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a US$10 million grant to help Vanuatu improve the ...

Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening economic cooperation, with trade, investment, transport and resource development taking centre stage during talks between Prime Minister James Marape and Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele. The discussions, held in Port Moresby in June, reviewed progress ...

The United States and Pacific Island Parties (PIPs) to the 1987 Treaty on Fisheries have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation on sustainable fisheries, economic development and maritime security following annual consultations in Wellington, New Zealand. The meeting, held on 23 June, reviewed the implementation of the treaty — also k...

Fisheries ministers from across the Pacific have gathered in New Zealand for the 25th Annual Forum Fisheries Committee (FFC) Ministerial Meeting, where leaders will discuss key policies aimed at strengthening fisheries management, boosting economic returns and enhancing regional cooperation. Hosted by the New Zealand government, the meeting opened with...

The Solomon Islands government has moved forward with plans to reopen Henguaiporo Airport in Ontong Java Atoll after signing contracts and agreements to begin a major rehabilitation project aimed at restoring essential air services to one of the country's most remote communities. The Ministry of Communication and Aviation has awarded the rehabilitation...

Fiji and Australia have significantly deepened their strategic partnership after signing two landmark treaty-level agreements that expand cooperation on defence, security, trade, investment and regional development, marking what Fiji described as a new chapter in bilateral relations. Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and Australian Prime Minister A...

The Fijian government is stepping up efforts to revitalise the country's cooperative sector through the restoration of its historic Cooperative Training College, positioning the institution as a key driver of rural economic development and leadership training. The initiative was highlighted during National Cooperative Day celebrations this week, when P...