In this bulletin:
SOL — Solomon Islands begins review of security agreement with China
2. PACIFIC — Island nation Tuvalu feared tsunami from China missile test
3. VAN — Vanuatu PM to meet President over controversial pardon
4. TUVALU — Tuvalu deploys first Police officers to UN Peacekeeping mission
5. PACIFIC — New Zealand Defence Force takes over leadership of Pacific Response Group
6. PACIFIC — Palau President Whipps urges deep-sea mining pause at ISA meeting in Jamaica
7. FIJI — Tui Nayau urges Australia to remove visa barrier for Fijians
8. PACIFIC — Hope for side visit to Tuvalu
9. AUST — Canberra and Manila expect defence agreement this year
10. PACNEWS BIZ — Vanuatu launches four new Climate Finance Initiatives
11. PACNEWS BIZ — Feds seek to beef up screening process for CNMI-bound Chinese travelers
12. PACNEWS BIZ — Foreign investment backs Vanuatu tourism recovery
13. PACNEWS BIZ — One in three Fijian households struggle to cover expenses, RBF survey finds
14. PACNEWS BIZ — Farm to schools is one of the biggest untapped markets for Vanuatu’s farmers
15. PACNEWS IN FOCUS — The Pacific islands’ internet before the internet
16. PACNEWS DIGEST — Zooming in on Green Banking and Sustainable Finance – hosted by the Central Bank of Samoa and UNDP’s Climate Finance Network
17. PACNEWS DIGEST — Western Pacific IP Leaders meet to advance IP for Development
SOL – POLITICS/DIPLOMACY: PACNEWS PACNEWS 2: Mon 10 Aug 2026
Solomon Islands begins review of security agreement with China
HONIARA, 10 AUGUST 2026 (PACNEWS) — Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale says there will be “no more secrecy” over agreements that bind the nation, as the government begins a review of the country’s 2022 security agreement with China.
Wale announced the review in Parliament while delivering his closing address in Parliament last Friday, calling on Opposition leader to support the process.
He said the review is based on the principles of transparency to Parliament and accountability to the people of Solomon Islands.
Wale revealed that he was only allowed to read the 2022 agreement one day before an official meeting in Canberra in May this year.
“That must never happen again,” the Prime Minister told Parliament.
He called on the leader of the Opposition and Parliament to support the review and the principle that no treaty should stand without the informed consent of Parliament.
“If that is the standard, then it must apply to every agreement this country has signed and not just some,” he said.
Wale said the issue goes beyond politics and is directly linked to national sovereignty.
He said sovereignty does not belong to the Government of the day but to the people of Solomon Islands and is expressed through Parliament.
“That principle was true in 2022. It is true today. And under this Government, it will be practised not just spoken about,” Wale said.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed that Solomon Islands remains “friends to all and enemies to none,” but said secrecy over national agreements would no longer be accepted.
“On the instruments that bind this nation, there will be no more secrecy. This House and through it our people, must always be fully informed,” he said.
Wale said the review will seek to ensure that security agreements are transparent, accountable and aligned with the national interest…. PACNEWS
PAC – DIPLOMACY: BLOOMBERG PACNEWS 2: Mon 10 Aug 2026
Island nation Tuvalu feared tsunami from China missile test
SUVA, 10 AUGUST 2026 (BLOOMBERG) — China’s recent ballistic missile test has been likened to a home invasion, leaving people living in Tuvalu, the low-lying Pacific Island closest to where it landed, fearing it would trigger a tsunami, according to a senior official from the nation.
China gave no warning on the early July missile test and didn’t say it would land so close to Tuvalu, Pasuna Tuaga, a senior Tuvalu foreign affairs official, said Friday on the sidelines of a Pacific Islands Forum meeting in Fiji, adding that it is important for the various countries in the region to make clear to Beijing that this was unacceptable.
“Just imagine it yourself, it was like someone invaded your home,” he said.
“Just imagine if it was a real one? That’s the same question that we have put to the forum during the official meeting: Do we have to wait until we are hit by a real one and then issue a statement?”
Tuaga said that testing dummy warheads was not how China should be treating the Pacific, and he called on the 18 members of the forum to collectively condemn the launch a month ago.
“It is important for us to make a statement because we don’t want to be intimidated by any powers,” he said, while emphasising that his comments were in a personal capacity and not as a senior official in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Labor and Trade.
According to Tuaga, his nation tried to discuss the issue with Beijing but got nowhere. Tuvalu has asked Australia, France and the U.S to search for the dummy warhead in the nearby waters, he said.
The comments come after New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters criticised the region’s countries, saying Pacific Island nations missed an opportunity to call out China for the missile test over the region.
There has been no official statement from the Pacific Islands Forum following the 06 July test of a submarine-fired nuclear-capable missile, but individual countries such as Australia and New Zealand have criticised the move.
Peters wouldn’t be drawn over which countries were the roadblock to a joint statement, although a number of the nations have close economic or security alignment with China. They include Kiribati, Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said on radio Friday, repeating her previous statements that the test had been “destabilising.”
“The majority of the Pacific Islands Forum did express concerns over China’s ballistic missile test. I hope China does take note of the very clear response from leaders and ministers in the Pacific about that test, said Wong…. PACNEWS
VAN – PARDON: PACNEWS PACNEWS 2: Mon 10 Aug 2026
Vanuatu PM to meet President over controversial pardon
PORT VILA, 10 AUGUST 2026 (PACNEWS) — Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat will meet President Nikenike Vurobaravu this week to raise concerns over the recent pardon of a convicted rapist.
The pardon was among those granted by the Head of State on the eve of Vanuatu’s 46th Independence Anniversary.
Napat says he will formally request that the pardon be revoked, while acknowledging that the power to grant pardons is a discretionary constitutional power vested in the President.
“While we respect the constitutional powers of the Head of State, the people deserve justice. I will be requesting that this pardon be revoked,” said the Prime Minister in a statement.
Napat says the seriousness of the case and the public concern it has generated make it necessary for him to raise the matter directly with the President.
The Government also plans to review the President’s pardoning powers and propose clear criteria to guide the exercise of the constitutional power in future cases.
This is not the first time Napat has raised concerns over presidential pardons.
In May 2025, President Vurobaravu rescinded an earlier order commuting the sentences of 70 inmates following public backlash and discussions with the Prime Minister.
The reversal came after it was determined that the President had been provided with incomplete information about the criminal backgrounds of several detainees.
Napat says the Government remains committed to upholding justice, protecting victims and maintaining public confidence in the country’s institutions…. PACNEWS
TUVALU – PEACEKEEPING: PACNEWS PACNEWS 2: Mon 10 Aug 2026
Tuvalu deploys first Police Officers to UN Peacekeeping mission
FUNAFUTI, 10 AUGUST 2026 (PACNEWS) — Tuvalu has deployed its first four police officers to a United Nations peacekeeping mission in South Sudan, marking a major milestone for the Tuvalu Police Service.
The officers departed Tuvalu last week to join the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), where they will serve alongside police officers from around the world.
The team is led by Petaia Aitopele, with John Mainaga as Deputy Team Leader, and Taemani Telaufatu and Amosa Sanaila as members.
The deployment follows years of work by the Tuvalu Police Service to meet United Nations requirements for participation in international peacekeeping operations.
Prime Minister Feleti Teo congratulated the four officers during his weekly press conference and commended the Police Service for preparing them through specialised training required for UN peacekeeping duties.
Teo said the Government was concerned about the wellbeing of the officers while serving overseas but expressed confidence in the United Nations’ established systems for protecting police personnel deployed on peacekeeping missions.
He said the officers would serve in a police peacekeeping role alongside personnel from other countries to help maintain peace, stability and the rule of law in South Sudan.
Cabinet has also approved a Retention Agreement introduced by Police Commissioner Matatia Makaili to ensure the experience gained by the officers benefits Tuvalu after their deployment.
Under the agreement, the officers will return to the Tuvalu Police Service after completing their initial 12-month deployment. Any extension will be subject to the approval of the Police Commissioner.
Makaili congratulated the officers on their selection and urged them to carry out their duties with professionalism, humility and integrity.
He said the officers had earned the trust of the Government and people of Tuvalu and would represent the country with distinction while gaining valuable international experience.
Before their departure, the officers reaffirmed their commitment to serving under the United Nations and representing Tuvalu with pride.
They also expressed hope that their deployment would create opportunities for more Tuvaluan police officers to participate in future UN peacekeeping missions.
The deployment strengthens Tuvalu’s contribution to international peace and security while providing its police service with valuable experience and professional development…. PACNEWS
PAC – DEFENCE: NZDF PACNEWS 2: Mon 10 Aug 2026
New Zealand Defence Force takes over leadership of Pacific Response Group
WELLINGTON, 10 AUGUST 2026 (NZDF) — The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) has formally assumed the hosting and leadership of the Pacific Response Group (PRG) from the Australian Defence Force (ADF), as the regional crisis response capability heads into its third year.
A handover ceremony was held at Headquarters Joint Forces New Zealand in Trentham, Upper Hutt last week.
The PRG, established in 2024 under the South Pacific Defence Ministers’ Meeting, is a multinational capability designed to deliver coordinated military support to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) and crisis response operations across the Pacific.
The PRG brings together defence personnel from New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, France, Papua New Guinea and Tonga, with Chile participating in a supporting role.
Each member nation contributes specialist planners and staff across key functions including operations, logistics, intelligence, health and communications.
Leadership of the PRG has transitioned from the ADF to the NZDF, reflecting the shared commitment of partner nations to collective security and resilience in the Pacific.
Commander Joint Forces New Zealand Major General Rob Krushka said the PRG was a practical demonstration of Pacific nations working together to support one another in times of need.
“Natural disasters in our region are increasing in frequency. The PRG ensures we can respond smarter, together.
“This is about supporting our Pacific neighbours, respecting sovereignty, and working alongside civilian agencies to deliver the right assistance at the right time.”
Designed as a short-notice, deployable headquarters element, the PRG supports civilian-led responses to disasters, helping coordinate military contributions and assessing requirements on the ground.
It can deploy planning teams to affected areas to determine what assistance is required, while coordinating the delivery of critical capabilities with a national disaster management agency or from contributing nations.
The PRG builds on decades of Pacific militaries working together during natural disasters and severe weather events, formalising and strengthening a cooperative approach to HADR across the region.
It also enables Pacific countries without standing militaries to request military support when disasters strike.
Since becoming operational in late 2024, the PRG has participated in multinational exercises such as Exercise Croix du Sud in New Caledonia, where it tested its ability to coordinate complex, large-scale disaster responses.
Under NZDF leadership, the PRG will continue to enhance preparedness, interoperability and readiness across member nations, ensuring the region is better equipped to respond to future crises.
Major General Krushka said the handover signalled continuity as well as progress.
“The transition of leadership reflects the shared ownership of the PRG. Together, we are strengthening a capability that is by the Pacific, for the Pacific.
“New Zealand is proud to assume leadership of this important initiative, building on the strong foundations established by Australia and our regional partners.”
The team will be based alongside the NZDF’s operational headquarters at Trentham until mid-2028, when the leadership role will be handed over to another host nation…. PACNEWS
PAC – DEEP SEA MINING: ISLAND TIMES PACNEWS 2: Mon 10 Aug 2026
Palau President Whipps urges deep-sea mining pause at ISA meeting in Jamaica
KINGSTON/KOROR, 10 AUGUST 2026 (ISLAND TIMES) — Palau President Surangel S. Whipps Jr has called for greater protection of the deep ocean and renewed Palau’s push for a moratorium and precautionary pause on deep-sea mining during an address to the International Seabed Authority in Jamaica last month.
“The deep ocean is our common heritage, not a new frontier for exploitation,” Whipps told delegates at the meeting.
Whipps urged leaders to put environmental protection ahead of potential short-term economic gains as countries consider the future of deep-sea mining.
He called for “a moratorium and precautionary pause on deep-sea mining,” saying the seabed should be protected “for our children, our planet, and all humankind.”
The president also invoked Palau’s traditional practice of bul, which restricts access to natural resources to allow them to recover and remain sustainable.
“Indigenous and traditional knowledge already teaches us how to live in balance with the ocean,” Whipps said.
Describing Palau as a “big ocean state,” Whipps said the country supports a growing coalition of nations seeking stronger environmental safeguards through the ISA.
“Palau stands with the growing coalition of countries demanding that the ISA put protection first,” he said.
Whipps said he hoped the Jamaica meeting would be remembered as a turning point in the global debate over deep-sea mining.
He urged countries to make Jamaica “the place where the world chose stewardship over short-term gain.”
Palauans respond online
The president’s remarks also drew reactions from some Palauans online after posts about his address circulated on social media.
One young man thanked Whipps for encouraging women in Palau to participate in discussions about ocean mining and called for greater cooperation among Palau’s neighboring countries and the wider Oceania region.
“Thank you, President,” others commented in brief messages of support.
Palau has consistently advocated for caution over deep-sea mining, emphasizing the need to understand potential impacts on marine ecosystems before allowing commercial exploitation of the ocean floor…. PACNEWS
FIJI – VISA WAIVER: FIJI SUN PACNEWS 2: Mon 10 Aug 2026
Tui Nayau urges Australia to remove visa barrier for Fijians
SUVA, 10 AUGUST 2026 (FIJI SUN) — The Tui Nayau, Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara, has called on Australia to remove visa requirements for Fijians and bring forward lower university fees for Fijian students, saying the Vuvale relationship should be equal for both countries.
Speaking after returning from a five-day visit to Australia, Ratu Tevita welcomed the expanded Vuvale Union announced in Suva last month but said two important issues remained unresolved.
He called on Australia to remove the visa requirement for Fijians.
“I say this as a guest who was received in Australia with real warmth, and as a friend of that country. Vuvale means family.”
“In our custom, family does not apply at the door. An Australian steps off the aircraft in Nadi and is welcomed without a form; a Fijian must still apply to enter Australia.”
He acknowledged Australia’s decision to allow Fijians to apply to stay for up to four months and expand multiple-entry business visas.
“I thank the Australian Government for what has been agreed on the length of our stay – it was a generous step, and it was noticed.”
However, he said true reciprocity would only come when Fijians could enter Australia without applying for a visa.
‘But the last part of the journey is the door itself. When a Fijian may travel to Australia as an Australian travel to Fiji, then vuvale will mean the same thing on both sides of the water.”
Ratu Tevita also questioned why Fijian students would have to wait until 2029 before paying domestic tuition fees at Australian universities.
“I welcome what has been agreed for our students, and I thank Australia for it. My question is the date. Why 2029?”
He said many Fijian families could not afford international tuition fees while Fiji was already supplying skilled workers to Australia.
“Every year between now and then is another year of our families paying international fees they cannot afford.”
“Our workers are picking Australian fruit, standing in Australian meatworks and caring for elderly Australians – this season, and every season.”
He said Fiji also invested heavily in training professionals who later worked in Australia.
“Fiji trains a nurse, a teacher, a tradesman, paid for by his own family and by the Fijian taxpayer, and within a few years Australia has the benefit of them, fully qualified, at no cost to itself.”
Ratu Tevita argued Fijian students deserved equal treatment now.
“If our people are good enough to hold up Australian farms and Australian hospitals today, then our children are good enough to sit in Australian lecture theatres at an Australian’s fee today. Not in three years’ time,” he said…. PACNEWS
PAC – CLIMATE CHANGE: FIJI TIMES PACNEWS 2: Mon 10 Aug 2026
Hope for side visit to Tuvalu
SUVA, 10 AUGUST 2026 (FIJI TIMES) — The Pacific’s fight against rising sea levels will be brought closer to world leaders through a proposed visit to Tuvalu during the pre-COP conference in Nadi.
Fiji is hoping more world leaders will attend the conference and have the opportunity to see first-hand the impact of climate change on Pacific Island countries.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said leaders would have an opportunity to travel to Tuvalu to witness the effects of rising sea levels before returning to Fiji.
“We were hoping that more world leaders will come to Fiji for the pre-COP conference,” he said.
Rabuka said Fiji had asked Australia to support hosting the pre-COP conference in the Pacific before the main event in Turkey.
“It will be an opportunity for them to go out and see for themselves what is happening in some of the islands that have been badly affected by climate change, particularly in Tuvalu.”
However, he said some leaders would not be able to attend because of other priorities.
“Unfortunately, some of the leaders will not be able to come, and I don’t blame them. They probably have higher priorities.”
He said the Pacific needed more leaders to attend so they could better understand the region’s concerns.
“Those of us right in the front line of the brunt of climate change.
“We are hoping more of them would come, so that when we go and present our case to them, they’d be able to understand well.”
The pre-COP meeting is expected to provide an important platform for Pacific nations to highlight the impacts of climate change…. PACNEWS
AUST – SECURITY PACT: AAP PACNEWS 2: Mon 10 Aug 2026
Canberra and Manila expect defence agreement this year
DARWIN, 10 AUGUST 2026 (AAP) — Australia and the Philippines are confident they are on track to sign a defence cooperation agreement later this year to build on already strong military relations, Defence Mnister Richard Marles says.
The deputy prime minister held talks with his Philippines defence counterpart Gilberto Teodoro in Darwin on Friday.
Their talks took place on the last day of operation Pitch Black, night flying exercises over northern Australia involving dozens of fighter planes and more than 2500 personnel from 21 nations, including the Philippines with 200 personnel.
Marles said good progress was made in Friday’s talks on an Australia-Philippines Defence Cooperation Agreement.
“We are really confident that we will be able to conclude and sign the defence cooperation arrangement later this year,” he told reporters in a joint press conference with Teodoro.
The two nations had reinforced a shared commitment to the global rules-based order and its application in the Indo-Pacific, particularly in the South China Sea and the West Philippine Sea.
“We very much stand with the Philippines in the assertion of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea,” Marles said.
“We’re roughly halfway between Canberra and Manila, which is just a bit of a reminder about how close we are to the Philippines and the fact that our two countries are very much neighbours.”
Next year, Australian troops would be in the Philippines participating in Exercise Alon 2027, the largest exercise that Australia undertakes beyond its shores.
Philippines troops have just concluded Exercise Karabaru with Australian troops near Townsville and Australia is assisting on eight infrastructure projects underway across five military bases in the Philippines.
“All of this is an expression of how closely our two defence forces are working together,” Marles said.
Teodoro said information sharing and secrecy agreements were needed so the two nations could work closely together in the cyber domain.
“We hope to derive best practices, lessons, and experiences from the mature system that Australia has,” he said.
“We thank the people of Australia, the deputy prime minister, for the unconditional support given the Philippines in fighting for its rights in its maritime domain,” he said…. PACNEWS
PACNEWS BIZ
VAN – CLIMATE FINANCE: VBTC PACNEWS BIZ: Mon 10 Aug 2026
Vanuatu launches four new Climate Finance Initiatives
PORT VILA, 10 AUGUST 2026 (VBTC) — Vanuatu has taken another step towards strengthening climate resilience with the launch of four new climate finance initiatives designed to improve access to, planning and management of climate funding across the country.
The initiatives were launched by the National Advisory Board (NAB) Secretariat for Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction under the Ministry of Climate Change, with support from the Pacific Community (SPC).
The four initiatives include the National Climate Finance Roadmap, Climate Finance Country Programme, Cost-Benefit Analysis Report, and an upgraded National Advisory Board Portal.
Speaking at the launch, Minister for Climate Change Ralph Regenvanu said the new documents and digital platform demonstrate Vanuatu’s continued commitment to ensuring climate finance reaches the communities that need it most.
“Too often communities on the front lines of climate change hear about billions in climate finance but feel none of it in their daily lives. These documents are part of our commitment to change that. The roadmap charts the path to the finance needed to respond, the country programme creates the pathway to get that finance moving, and the portal makes it all transparent and accountable.”
Minister Regenvanu said the Cost-Benefit Analysis Report provides the economic evidence needed to support climate investment decisions, while the upgraded NAB Portal improves transparency by allowing government agencies, provincial authorities and development partners to monitor how climate finance is managed in Vanuatu.
“The Cost-Benefit Analysis provides the economic evidence that makes our investment case undeniable, and the upgraded NAB Portal ensures that every stakeholder from provincial governments to our development partners can see exactly how climate finance is being governed in Vanuatu.”
The launch was attended by regional partners, including government representatives from Palau, who witnessed the event.
Pacific Community (SPC) Deputy Director General of the Climate Division, Esline Garaebiti Bule, said the launch reflects the Pacific region’s commitment to developing its own climate solutions.
“It is demonstrating that Pacific Island countries are not waiting for solutions to arrive from elsewhere. We are building them, testing them, improving them, and sharing what we learn across our Blue Pacific region.”
The launch comes as Vanuatu continues to face increasing climate risks while strengthening access to climate finance to support resilience and the country’s long-term development priorities…. PACNEWS
CNMI – TOURISM INDUSTRY: PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES PACNEWS BIZ: Mon 10 Aug 2026
Feds seek to beef up screening process for CNMI-bound Chinese travelers
SAIPAN, 10 AUGUST 2026 (PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES) — Federal authorities will strengthen the vetting process for Chinese tourists seeking to travel to the Northern Marianas under the visa waiver programme, amid growing security concerns over the entry of travelers from the communist nation.
The Department of Homeland Security is creating a new system that requires CNMI-bound travelers from China to submit advance information to Customs and Border Protection, enhancing background checks before clearing them for entry into the commonwealth.
“These travelers will also need to complete an additional set of vetting questions,” DHS said in an interim final rule published o4 August in the Federal Register.
The CNMI Economic Vitality & Security Travel Authorisation Programme allows Chinese citizens to enter the CNMI visa-free for 14 days. Under the current rule, Chinese passengers are required to obtain electronic travel authorisation before departure.
The CNMI government and business sector seek the preservation of the program to retain the Chinese market, which made up the bulk of the CNMI’s tourism base before the Covid-19 pandemic.
In 2019, the last full year before the pandemic, the CNMI welcomed 487,008 visitors, including 185,526 from China, then the islands’ second‑largest source market.
However, the programne has been under congressional scrutiny.
House Republicans urge the Department of Homeland Security to halt the visa‑free admission for Chinese nationals, warning that the programme paves the way for birth tourism and China’s nefarious activities on U.S soul.
The CNMI Economic Vitality & Security Travel Authorisation Programme is a subset of the broader Guam‑CNMI visa waiver program, which allows citizens of designated countries to enter the U.S territories for up to 45 days without a U.S tourist visa.
Under the DHS’s newly issued interim rule, CBP will fully automate the travel authorisation and require additional data, including social media information, from prospective travelers.
While providing a social media identifier is optional, federal authorities said “adding these data elements enhances the existing vetting process and provides CBP with additional information to determine travelers’ admissibility to enter Guam or the CNMI” under the visa waiver programme.
“CBP intends to migrate from the paper Form I-736 process to a mandatory automated process via rulemaking,” states the interim final rules.
The travelers’ information will be pre-screened against law enforcement databases. ‘Based on the results of the pre-screening, the application is approved or denied,” DHS said.
CBP will grant a transition period of three months to facilitate travelers adjusting to the new collection method…. PACNEWS
VAN – TOURISM INDUSTRY: VANUATU DAILY POST PACNEWS BIZ: Mon 10 Aug 2026
Foreign investment backs Vanuatu tourism recovery
PORT VILA, 10 AUGUST 2026 (VANUATU DAILY POST) — Vanuatu’s tourism sector has emerged as one of the country’s strongest-performing industries for foreign investment, with new figures showing a sharp increase in tourism-related investment approvals during the second quarter of 2026.
According to the latest Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Trend Report for the second quarter of 2026, released by the Vanuatu Foreign Investment Promotion Agency, the Accommodation and Food Service Activities sector recorded 15 new approved foreign investment registrations between April and June.
The figure represents an 87.5 percent increase from the eight approvals recorded in the first quarter of 2026 and is also 7.1 percent higher than the same period last year.
Tourism accounted for 18.8 percent of all approved foreign investment registrations during the quarter, making it the second-largest investment sector after Professional, Scientific and Technical Activities.
Other sectors linked to the visitor economy also recorded strong growth. Arts, Entertainment and Recreation increased from one approved investment in the previous quarter to seven, while Other Service Activities rose from five to eight approvals.
Overall, Vanuatu recorded 80 approved FDI registrations during the second quarter, representing a 14.3 percent increase compared with the first quarter of the year.
In a statement provided by the Department of Tourism (DoT), DoT Director Paul Pio said the figures demonstrate growing investor confidence in Vanuatu’s tourism recovery.
“These figures confirm what we are seeing on the ground – investors believe in Vanuatu’s tourism recovery. Fifteen new tourism investments in a single quarter, almost double the previous quarter, tells us that confidence in our destination is real and growing,” Pio said.
He said it was particularly encouraging to see growth in recreation and visitor experience businesses alongside accommodation and food services, showing that Vanuatu’s tourism offerings are becoming broader and more diverse.
Pio said the DoT will continue working closely with VFIPA and partner agencies to ensure new investors receive the necessary support, obtain the required permits, and align their projects with the Vanuatu Sustainable Tourism Policy.
He added that the Government’s next priority is to encourage more tourism investment into the provinces so that communities across the country can share in the benefits of the industry’s growth.
The report also found that investment remained concentrated in SHEFA Province, which accounted for 87.5 percent of all approved FDI registrations during the quarter. Additional approvals were recorded in SANMA and TAFEA provinces.
Strengthening regional investment promotion remains a government priority under the National Sustainable Development Plan.
The full FDI Quarterly Update for the second quarter of 2026 is available from VFIPA, while the third-quarter report is expected to be released by 31 October 2026…. PACNEWS
FIJI – EXPENSES: FIJI TIMES PACNEWS BIZ: Mon 10 Aug 2026
One in three Fijian households struggle to cover expenses, RBF survey finds
SUVA, 10 AUGUST 2026 (FIJI TIMES) — One in three Fijian households do not earn enough to meet their regular expenses, while fewer than one in four people believe they are on track to achieve their financial goals, according to the Reserve Bank of Fiji’s 2025 Fiji Financial Services Demand Side Survey.
The survey paints a sobering picture of household finances, showing that 33 percent of households have incomes that fall short of their regular expenditure, while 46 percent said their income was only enough to cover day-to-day expenses.
Only 18 percent of households reported earning more than they spent.
The financial pressures were most pronounced in the Western Division, where 49 percent of households said their income was insufficient to meet expenses, compared with 21 percent in the Central Division.
Despite these challenges, 39 percent of Fijians said they were always satisfied with their financial situation.
The survey also found that 55 percent of adults said they set long-term financial goals and actively worked towards achieving them.
However, only 24 percent considered themselves on track to reach those goals, while 52 percent said they were making some progress.
Around one in five respondents admitted they had lost track of their financial goals because of competing financial commitments.
The report also highlighted the limited financial resilience of many households.
If they were to lose their main source of income, 61 percent of respondents said they could survive for one month or less, including 28 percent who could manage for only one week or less.
Only 10 percent believed they could meet their living expenses for six months or longer without their primary income.
When running short of money, the most common response was to cut household spending, followed by using savings or seeking help from family and friends.
In the event of an unexpected financial emergency, 47 percent said they would borrow from family or friends, while 44 percent would rely on their personal savings.
Older people, people living with disabilities and those excluded from formal financial services were more likely to depend on relatives and friends for financial support than on savings.
The survey also found that fewer than half of Fijians seek financial advice, with those who do most commonly turning to household members, relatives or friends for guidance.
The findings suggest that while financial inclusion has improved significantly in Fiji, many households continue to face financial pressure, limited savings and little capacity to withstand unexpected economic shocks…. PACNEWS
VAN – AGRICULTURE: VBTC PACNEWS BIZ: Mon 10 Aug 2026
Farm to schools is one of the biggest untapped markets for Vanuatu’s farmers
PORT VILA, 10 AUGUST 2026 (VBTC) — The Vanuatu Department of Agriculture says local farmers have a significant opportunity to supply schools, hospitals and other public institutions, but increasing production will be key to meeting demand.
The message emerged during a panel discussion at the National Agriculture Expo, where the Department highlighted its Farm to Public Institution initiative, which aims to connect farmers with government institutions, schools and other service providers to create stable markets for locally grown produce.
During the discussion, Max Viro of Ambae Mbulu School shared the challenges the school faces in sourcing enough local food.
“This year, if I remember correctly, we were only able to order taro for the school twice. When farmers cannot supply us, the school relies on its own farm, where we grow manioc to supplement rice, which remains the staple food in most schools. We only received fish once this year. For vegetables, we first use produces from the school farm, but when that is not enough, we try to source from farmers. However, our school farm is small and cannot meet all our needs.”
He said the school often depends on its own farm to fill the gap when local farmers are unable to meet demand.
Director of Agriculture Antoine Ravo said the discussion demonstrated that there is strong demand for locally produced food and a valuable market waiting for farmers.
“There are many opportunities for farmers to supply schools, and that is one of the objectives of the Farm to Public Institution initiative. We want to link farmers directly with schools. Today we have heard that there is not enough beef, not enough fish, schools only received fish once, and taro was supplied only twice, which is still not enough. This shows there are real opportunities for farmers to supply schools, public institutions and even hospitals.”
He said the Farm to Public Institution programme is designed to strengthen partnerships between farmers and public institutions, creating reliable markets for local produce while improving access to fresh food…. PACNEWS
PACNEWS In Focus
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
The Pacific islands’ internet before the internet
By Raquel Bagnol
HAGATNA, 10 AUGUST 2026 (PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES) —When people look at the map of the Pacific Ocean, they see isolation.
Tiny islands appear as scattered dots separated by thousands of miles of open water. It’s easy to imagine that ancient Pacific Islanders lived in small, disconnected communities with little contact beyond their own shores.
One of the biggest misconceptions about the Pacific islands is that they are isolated from one another. But here’s a surprise: long before GPS, smartphones or even printed maps came into existence, ancient islanders were already connected through networks of voyaging, trade routes, marriage and oral traditions.
You could say the ancient Pacific Islanders had their own version of the internet. Their network was not powered by undersea fiber-optic cables, servers or wireless signals. It was powered by stars, canoes, stories and human connections.
Centuries before the birth of social media, Pacific Islanders maintained relationships across enormous distances.
There were no dating apps, but marriage linked families from different islands. Chiefs and clan leaders-maintained alliances with neighbouring communities. Trade partnerships connected villages across the oceans.
Today, we don’t have to go anywhere to connect with people. We rely on phones, computers and digital networks to call, send texts, emails and videos across the world in seconds.
Ancient Pacific societies relied on something slower but just as important in its time: the canoe. These vessels were more than transportation for people and cargo between islands. They were the communication technology of the Pacific.
When voyagers arrived on an island, they brought more than cargo. In many ways, they were the original travel vloggers and social media influencers. They carried news, stories, weather information, political developments, family updates navigation knowledge, trade opportunities and even gossip. In other words, information didn’t travel through technology; it traveled by word of mouth.
The ancient voyagers were experts in navigating without GPS, satellites, radar or weather apps. Yet they successfully traveled hundreds, if not thousands, of miles across the ocean by reading the natural world. They took clues from the stars, ocean swells, currents, cloud formation and the birds’ behavior to predict the weather and navigate safely across vast distances. Without the navigators and canoes, the Pacific Islands’ original information network could never have existed.
We have it easy today. Most of us just check our phones for directions and weather forecasts.
Ancient Pacific peoples did not have written records; they relied on oral traditions. Knowledge was passed down through stories, chants and genealogies.
Oral traditions preserved information about family histories, events, sacred places, navigation routes, weather patterns, cultural traditions and even fishing grounds.
Oral traditions were the living databases of the Pacific. Before cloud storage, people stored information in memory. The elders served as living libraries and repositories of knowledge; they were the original Google search engine of their day.
One of the most remarkable things about the ancient Pacific “internet” was that it carried more than just information; it carried life itself. When voyagers settled on new islands, they brought important plants and animals with them. These included breadfruit, taro, coconuts, bananas, chickens, pigs and other essentials needed for survival.
By bringing these resources to new islands, settlers were able to grow familiar foods, build sustainable communities and preserve traditions from their ancestral islands. This helped keep cultural connections between distant lands and across generations.
The ancient voyagers were not simply sharing files like we do today. They were transferring entire ecosystems.
Trade also played an important role in keeping the islands connected. Archaeologists have traced the movement of stone tools, shell valuables, pottery and other resources across large regions of Oceania.
In Micronesia, people from different islands regularly traded goods and visited one another. These relationships helped strengthen ties and often lasted for generations.
Trade was not just about acquiring goods, but also about maintaining relationships and building trust.
Here’s the kicker. The ancient Pacific network accomplished the same goal as modern communications systems: connect people across vast distances. It linked the islands through canoes, stories, trade, marriages and shared knowledge. It helped communities stay informed, maintain relationships and support one another.
In this age, modern technology allows us to connect in seconds with people anywhere in the world. We can send instant messages, make video calls and access endless information with a tap of the screen. Ironically, people feel more disconnected than ever. Families can sit together in the same room yet share few conversations, each person absorbed in a screen. Friends send messages instead of meeting face-to-face.
Perhaps the greatest lesson left by the Pacific Islanders’ original internet is this: Being connected is not the same as being together…. PACNEWS
Raquel Bagnol is a longtime journalist. She worked as a reporter for Marianas Variety on Saipan and Island Times in Palau. Send feedback to gukdako@yahoo.com
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
Zooming in on Green Banking and Sustainable Finance – hosted by the Central Bank of Samoa and UNDP’s Climate Finance Network
APIA, 10 AUGUST 2026 (UNDP) — The Central Bank of Samoa (CBS), in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), hosted a one-day workshop on Green Banking and Sustainable Finance in Apia on Wednesday, 05 August 2026.
The aim is to mobilise and channel climate finance across Asia and the Pacific with the Central Bank of Samoa reaffirming its commitment to building a stronger, more sustainable, and inclusive financial sector.
Partnerships
The workshop was delivered under the UNDP Climate Finance Network (CFN), a flagship initiative funded by the Government of the United Kingdom through the Climate Action for a Resilient Asia (CARA) programme which aims to bridge the gap between climate goals and the investment needed to reach them.
Key participants: The workshop was attended by teams from Samoa’s four commercial banks — ANZ Bank (Samoa), Bank South Pacific (Samoa), National Bank of Samoa, and Samoa Commercial Bank — together with delegates from the Development Bank of Samoa, the Samoa Housing Corporation, the Unit Trust of Samoa, the Samoa National Provident Fund, the Samoa Business Hub, and the Samoa Chamber of Commerce Incorporated.
Key feature of the workshop and discussions
The Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Samoa, Sili Margaret Chan Cheuk Tafunai, delivered the opening remarks and highlighted the important role financial institutions play in supporting investments that strengthen resilience to climate change while creating opportunities for sustainable growth.
A key feature of the workshop was a panel discussion titled “Why Green Banking Matters Now”, which brought together senior leaders from Samoa’s commercial banks. Panellists shared their experiences and perspectives on the growing demand for green finance and sustainable investment.
Discussions highlighted increasing interest in renewable energy solutions, particularly solar photovoltaic (PV) systems for households and businesses, as well as the opportunities these investments present for customers, financial institutions, and the broader economy. The discussion also recognised challenges that need to be addressed, including strengthening institutional capacity, improving awareness of green finance products, and enhancing approaches to managing climate-related risks.
Platform for future collaborations
The workshop provided a valuable platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration. Through group discussions and practical exercises, participants strengthened their understanding of climate-related risks and opportunities and explored ways to support businesses and communities in transitioning to a more sustainable future. Participants were enabled to apply sustainable finance, ESG (environment, social and governance) and green credit risk concepts to realistic scenarios, fostering active engagement and strengthening institutional understanding.
“For many businesses in Samoa — in agriculture, fisheries, tourism, commerce, renewable energy — access to the right kind of finance is what stands between an idea, resilient livelihoods, scaling up of innovations, and ultimately, thriving, green, inclusive economies in Samoa. UNDP’s role here is to support what Samoa’s financial sector is already building — in partnership with line ministries, state-owned enterprises, the private sector, communities, and development partners,” said Paolo Dalla Stella, Deputy Resident Representative, UNDP.
CBS role in capacity building
Building the capacity of Samoa’s financial institutions remains a priority for the Central Bank of Samoa, ensuring to respond to climate and sustainability challenges. A resilient and sustainable financial system is essential for supporting long-term economic development, protecting livelihoods, and helping Samoa adapt to the impacts of climate change.
The Central Bank of Samoa acknowledges and greatly appreciates the continued partnership and support of UNDP and development partners in advancing sustainable finance initiatives that contribute to Samoa’s economic resilience and sustainable development goals.
The UNDP Climate Finance Network (CFN) supports Asia-Pacific countries bridge the gap between climate goals and the investment needed to reach them. As a regional platform, CFN provides technical and policy support to integrate climate into public finance, mobilise private and innovative capital, and create the enabling environment required for lasting impact through regional knowledge exchange and peer learning. Learn more at https://go.undp.org/climate-finance-network …. PACNEWS
More information can be obtained from CBS on phone number 34100 or UNDP at 23670.
PACNEWS DIGEST
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
Western Pacific IP Leaders meet to advance IP for Development
PORT MORESBY, 10 AUGUST 2026 (WIPO) — WIPO, in cooperation with the Papua New Guinea Intellectual Property Office under the Investment Promotion Authority, organised the Heads of Intellectual Property Conference (HIPOC) for Western Pacific Island Countries in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, from June 22 to 23, 2026, with the support of the Japan Patent Office (JPO) through the Funds-in-Trust Japan Industrial Property Global.
The Conference brought together government officials, heads of intellectual property offices and WIPO experts from Papua New Guinea, Naoero, Solomon Islands, the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia and Vanuatu. It followed last year’s HIPOC for Eastern Pacific Island Countries, which was held in Tonga.
The two-day meeting provided a platform for Pacific IP leaders to exchange views on how IP can better support national development priorities, including economic diversification, innovation, entrepreneurship, cultural industries, small and medium-sized enterprise development and sustainable development.
Positioning IP as a Practical Development Tool
The Conference focused on how IP can support national development priorities in Pacific Island countries, including economic diversification, innovation, entrepreneurship, cultural industries, SME growth and sustainable development. Discussions emphasized the need to move beyond legal frameworks and use IP as a practical tool for businesses, creators and communities.
Participants also exchanged views on shared institutional, legal and practical challenges facing IP systems in the region, which informed the identification of priority areas for future cooperation.
Several key themes emerged from the conference:
* Public awareness remains limited. Participants noted that IP is still not widely understood by the public, businesses and some government stakeholders. Greater outreach will be needed to demonstrate how IP can support innovation, creativity and business competitiveness.
*SMEs need more practical IP support. Although trademarks and other IP tools can help businesses build value, many SMEs in the region do not yet make full use of them. Participants emphasized the importance of practical, user-friendly support for entrepreneurs and small businesses.
*Institutional and technical capacity needs strengthening. IP offices in the region face resource and technical constraints, including limited human capacity, outdated legal frameworks, and gaps in digital infrastructure and records management. Participants emphasized the need to strengthen staff training, modernize IP laws and regulations, and improve digital systems to enhance service delivery, transparency and efficiency.
*Regional cooperation can help address shared challenges. Participants recognised that many countries face similar issues and that structured regional exchanges can support peer learning, technical cooperation and more coordinated action.
From Discussion to Country Action Planning
As next steps, WIPO will hold bilateral consultations to confirm priorities, timelines and implementation approaches. Periodic regional exchanges will also be organized on shared priorities such as trademark administration and digital transformation.
The HIPOC in Port Moresby helped establish a stronger foundation for cooperation among Western Pacific Island countries on IP. By focusing on practical implementation, institutional sustainability and development impact, the Conference contributed to a more action-oriented regional conversation on how IP can support innovation, culture, business growth and sustainable development in the Pacific. WIPO will continue to support participating countries as they implement their priorities and strengthen their national IP systems…. PACNEWS
