Economic growth in the Pacific is projected to moderate to 3.4% in 2026 and 3.2% in 2027, according to the Asian Development Outlook (ADO) April 2026, the Asian Development Bank's (ADB) flagship economic publication. “There is an unprecedented need for the Pacific to build resilience against the economic impacts of the Middle East conflict,” said ADB D...

The Commonwealth Digital Roadshow made its inaugural stop in Vanuatu from March 23 to 27, bringing together policymakers, businesses and communities in a coordinated push to accelerate digital transformation and expand access to emerging technologies. Led by the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation in partnership with the Vanuatu government’s D...

The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MALD) has received 142 expressions of interest (EOIs) under its 2026 call for proposals for two flagship initiatives aimed at strengthening domestic food production and reducing reliance on imports. The EOIs cover the Commercial Rice Development Programme (CRDP) and the Poultry Production Strengthe...

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has officiated the external review of the preliminary design for the China-aided Vanua Levu Road Upgrading Project, marking a significant step forward in a flagship infrastructure programme aimed at improving connectivity, resilience and economic development in Fiji’s Northern Division. Speaking at the Grand Pacific Hotel...

Lion One Metals Limited has outlined progress and ongoing operational challenges at its Tuvatu gold mine in Fiji, as the company moves into a new phase focused on stabilising production and improving performance. In its March 2026 operational update, the company said it is transitioning into what it described as “Phase 2”, following the successful comm...

Jeremiah Manele has convened senior executives of key state-owned enterprises to accelerate progress on the Auki Road Project, warning that delays could leave the Solomon Islands government bearing full completion costs. At a meeting held on Thursday, Manele brought together chairpersons, chief executives and senior management from major SOEs, includin...

Claude Gambey, New Caledonia’s government member in charge of health, joined global leaders and scientists at the One Health Summit held from 5 to 7 April in Lyon, reinforcing the territory’s commitment to integrated approaches linking human, animal and environmental health. The summit convened policymakers, researchers, international organisations and...

Construction of the Aviation Complex Building at Henderson has reached a key milestone, as the Ministry of Communication and Aviation progresses works under the World Bank-funded Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP 2). The project has completed first-floor slab and beam concrete works, marking a significant step in the development ...

The Solomon Islands government has taken a significant step towards strengthening ocean conservation and management, formally convening the Ocean12 Technical Working Group to drive a five-year integrated initiative supported by the Bezos Earth Fund. The working group, led by the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorolo...

Jeremiah Manele has outlined a pipeline of road and bridge projects for Malaita Province, as the government moves to scale up infrastructure delivery under the Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project. Speaking at the handover of the Su’u and Bira bridges, Manele said additional financing of about $41 million from the World Bank is being secur...

Master planning has emerged as a central tool in addressing climate vulnerability and rapid urbanisation challenges across Pacific cities, according to discussions at the Seventh Pacific Urban Forum in Papua New Guinea. Delegates at the forum highlighted how Pacific urban centres are increasingly exposed to overlapping risks, including cyclones, floodi...

The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat and the World Bank are accelerating efforts to stabilise correspondent banking relationships (CBRs) across the Pacific, as a multi-year regional project begins to deliver early results amid persistent global financial pressures. The initiative—formally approved in August 2024 and operational since April 2025—marks ...

Westpac is making a significant investment in strengthening leadership capability across its Pacific businesses with the rollout of its best-in-class LEAD program in Papua New Guinea and Fiji this year, delivering training to 120 employees across the two markets. LEAD is Westpac Group’s flagship leadership development program focused on building future...

Step into one of the Pacific’s fastest-growing trade corridors between New Zealand and Fiji from June 15–18, as this business mission offers a unique opportunity to get ahead of the curve—build relationships, unlock opportunities, and grow your presence. With a shared goal of NZ$2 billion in trade by 2030, the initiative positions participants at the fore...

The Government for National Unity and Transformation is reporting renewed momentum in the tourism sector, with four new hotels and accommodation facilities opening in the first quarter of 2026, signalling increased investor confidence and sectoral growth. The new developments include Zaru Hotel in Gizo, Western Province; Double Island Resort and Raider...

The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development is advancing a series of initiatives aimed at transforming the agriculture sector and supporting economic growth in the Solomon Islands. Permanent Secretary Samson Viulu said during a quarterly ministerial update this week that the ministry is implementing key projects and reforms to strengthen agri...