Issue 5

Welcome to Issue 5, 2026 of Pacific Business Review. This edition explores how the Pacific can turn its natural resources, regional partnerships and development priorities into lasting economic opportunities.

Our cover story marks a milestone for Papua New Guinea’s energy sector, with the PNG LNG Project surpassing 100 million tonnes of liquefied natural gas safely produced since operations began in 2014. Beyond connecting PNG’s gas resources to international markets, the project has supported employment, skills development, local businesses and community investment. As the country advances further gas developments, the milestone highlights the resources sector’s role in its economic future.

As extractive industries expand, transparency and responsible resource management become increasingly important. Solomon Islands’ return to the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), with United Kingdom support, signals renewed efforts to strengthen accountability in mining. With gold and nickel projects gaining prominence, cooperation among government, industry and civil society will be vital to ensuring resource development benefits local communities.

In Fiji, Kalo Gold has identified a 4.3-kilometre gold-bearing resistivity corridor at its Wainikoro target, with certified fire-assay results reaching 8.78 grams per tonne of gold. The findings support further exploration and geophysical surveys, highlighting the Pacific’s mineral potential and the importance of rigorous geological assessment in evaluating new opportunities.

Beyond resource development, we look at a project delivering direct benefits to rural communities. In Petervat, on Malekula in Vanuatu, a new solar-powered water system pumps water from a natural spring to households, providing clean, reliable running water while reducing dependence on fuel-based systems. Delivered under Australia’s REnew Pacific programme, the initiative demonstrates how renewable energy can strengthen water security and improve essential services in remote communities.

The rest of this issue covers infrastructure, energy, mining, oil and gas, finance, agriculture and tourism. From regional connectivity and investment partnerships to economic reform and community enterprise, our coverage examines how governments, businesses and development partners are responding to the Pacific’s changing needs.