Use of automated systems boosts revenue in Tuvalu
Tuvalu has increased revenue by 20% after automating its customs management systems. Paperless customs procedures have really made it simpler for traders in Tuvalu, says Sania Teisini, Director of Tuvalu’s Revenue
Albanese government faces decisions on coalmines
The Albanese government could have to make decisions on whether to approve up to 28 coalmine developments that would make it harder to meet targets set under its newly approved climate policy, according to a new
PNG drugs suspects remanded
A Lae district court in Papua New Guinea has rejected bail for an expatriate and six Papua New Guineans implicated in the K35 million (US$9.9 million) methamphetamine bust in Lae last Tuesday. All seven, appearing from
Fisheries, health and an embassy for Vanuatu feature in U.S.-Pacific talks
The White House says a high-level U.S. delegation visit to Pacific Island nations this month was a demonstration of its commitment towards a free, open and resilient Indo-Pacific. The visits came amid concerns over
Marshalls air cargo crisis: search is on for alternative
The Marshall Islands government has been forced into making alternative air delivery options for everything from mail and medicines to fresh tuna and equipment for essential public services due to the mounting air cargo
Longer timeframes in development
Short-term project cycles are failing island communities because it is not considerate of communities’ realities, and it does not allow for critical first steps like addressing complex systemic issues. We believe that
A sacred crop affected by climate change
The jarring sound of men hocking spit contrasts sharply with the quiet conversation and humming cicadas at Port Vila’s waterside Nagotambo Nakamal at dusk. "It's like, [the] nectar of the gods. It's sacred,”
CNMI, American Samoa criticise Pacific Remote Islands expansion plan
U.S. President Joe Biden’s plan to expand the Pacific Remote Islands’ marine sanctuary has been receiving negative responses from territorial leaders, who criticised the lack of consultation prior to the
Taiwan gets back ‘Republic of China’ office name from Fiji
Taiwan’s government expressed its gratitude to Fiji on Tuesday for reinstating the old name of its representative office there, which includes the “Republic of China (ROC)” — Taiwan’s official
PNG Communication Minister Masiu denies ‘control of media’
Papua New Guinea’s Communication Minister Timothy Masiu has hit back at reports termed as inaccurate over the control of media in Papua New Guinea from his ministerial statement in Parliament. Masiu said it was
New Zealand may join AUKUS pact’s non-nuclear component
New Zealand’s government has confirmed it is discussing joining the non-nuclear part of the AUKUS alliance founded by Australia, the UK and U.S. “We have been offered the opportunity to talk about whether we could
Correspondent bank danger persists
The loss of correspondent banking services, limited financial inclusion, a potential increase in non-performing loans and difficulty accessing credit are amongst the challenges the financial sector in the Pacific
Banking: A regional overview
At the end of 2022, the Papua New Guinea government signalled its intent to set up a state-owned commercial bank, and take a government seat on the board of Bank South Pacific. The plan has been criticised given the
Growing insurance in the Pacific
A vibrant ‘insurance movement’ is “disrupting the historical status quo of insurance coverage access being largely confined to medium to high income urbanites,” says the General Secretary of the United Nations
Micro-insurance gaining ground
Parametric insurance programs are seeing increasing payouts to farmers, social welfare participants and persons with disabilities, and increased interest in the micro-insurance schemes. In Fiji, 202 persons with
Measuring vulnerability for development
Once again, people in Vanuatu are rebuilding their homes after two cyclones hit the nation in the first week of March. It’s a tragic reminder of the vulnerability of small island developing states and the way that
Building a vision for Pacific agriculture
The lack of a regional vision for agriculture and forestry is “one of our biggest challenges”, says the Director of the Land Resources Division of the Pacific Community, Karen Mapusua. But this is poised to change,
Noni juice inching closer to exports
There is good news for noni exporters and producers across the region, with some progress towards having regional standards for fermented noni juice. Nonu (noni) is an important agricultural export in Samoa,
Vunivalu of Bau installed after 33 year wait
On a day when ancient Fijian ceremonies were revived and magnificently on display, Ratu Epenisa Seru Cakobau was formally installed as the Vunivalu of Bau on Friday 10th March 2023. The much anticipated installation of
Investing for tourism growth
The rebound in Fiji tourism has again exposed a vulnerability that an upcoming tourism investment summit seeks to address; the shortage of rooms to meet projected arrivals. Citing Fiji Airways’ forecasts and new route
Sigatoka River Safari: The power of relationships
When Jay Whyte was 13, he befriended a guard at the Shangri-La Fijian Resort in Sigatoka, who introduced the Australian visitor and his family to an authentic Fijian experience up in the green terrain of Navosa. It was
2050 Strategy is essentially political
Regionalists generally identify three characteristics of regionalism, namely: economics, security and politics. Economic regionalism focuses on economic and financial aspects. Generally speaking, this is effectively an
Whispers
FijiFirst resignations continue The spate of resignations from Fiji’s former ruling party, FijiFirst, does not spell the end of the party says its General Secretary Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum. The latest resignation is