Forum is work in progress
Melanesian leaders failed to attend the 2nd Pacific Islands Development Forum on the Fijian resort island of Denarau last month. Conspicuous in their absence were Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Peter O’Neill and
2014 July
More US immigration woes for the Northern Marianas
Russians, Chinese target visa loop-holes the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands has received a five-year extension of a critical programme allowing it continued access to some 10,000 foreign workers up to 2019
Whispers
More trouble for the multi-million dollar tuna industrial zone in Madang Province, on the northern shores of Papua New Guinea. Work on the proposed Kina 212 million (AU$90m) project has been put on hold because
Greenpeace
I would like to express condolences on behalf of Greenpeace for the passing of Laisa Taga. Our deepest thoughts are with her colleagues and family in their
China only too keen to fill the gaps
Top New Zealand politicians’ periodic flights into the Pacific Islands with media contingents and popular Pacific rugby players in tow have been a regular feature over the past several years. They are obviously
NZ reaps rewards from cash cows
Soaring demand for $NZ10 billion New Zealand milk and dairy products from the South Pacific region and parts of Asia has prompted producers to expand plant facilities in Christchurch last month. There are also
PM O’Neill comes under fire over AU$30 million payout
Papua New Guinea is embroiled in political turmoil triggered by the attempted arrest of Prime Minister Peter O’Neill by police on June 17 as part of ongoing anti-corruption investigations into payments to a
Experts warn of good quality kava exports
With a German court ruling last month to lift a ban against Pacific kava exports, one of the region’s experts on the traditional commodity has warned about the need to monitor and maintain product quality.
Palau – where size doesn’t matter
Not counting the 400 or so volcano-uplifted little limestone islands that make up the spectacular Rock Islands, Palau is small. With a population of 21,000 living in the islands’ 16 states, the island republic
Goodman Fielder sold
Goldman Fielder’s new owners, Singaporebased Wilmar International and Hong Kong’s First Pacific Company have yet to reveal their plans for their Fiji and Pacific operations. Manufacturer of renowned brands
Multi-million dollar Fiji airport upgrade
NZ company wins $80 million contract Nadi International Airport will receive a massive $102 million facelift to give it an attractive and modern look as part of plans to create a striking impression of the South
Fiji cannery partner expands tuna loin contract to Samoa
Fiji’s Pacific Fishing Company – operator of the country’s main tuna cannery – believes it won’t be affected by Bumble Bee’s interest in expanding its tuna loin business to Samoa.
PNG lobbies for its SG nominee
Melanesians vie for top forum post It is not new. Nor is it unknown. As a matter of fact, the race for a Melanesianled economic dominance in the South Pacific has been an on-off, on-again, off again preoccupation of
Kina Weakens, Cost of Living Increases in PNG
Papua New Guinea’s economy continued to grow for the 13th consecutive year in 2013 and inflation remained below forecasts. On account of low international commodity prices and high demand for imported goods and
Samoa airline hits bumps
Compliance issues stop Inter Island Airways Plans by the American Samoa based airline Inter Island Airways to enter Fiji’s domestic air service have been delayed by numerous compliance requirements. Although the
Fiji Airways starts new Suva-Apia link
Regional services to expand Fiji Airways – Fiji’s national carrier – introduced a new direct flight linking the country’s capital with that of Samoa’s. There had always been two flights out
Marshall Islands move into commercial fish farming
‘Moi’ fish farms to expand The history of the Marshall Islands is littered with so many failed attempts to turn aquaculture and fish farming ideas into commercially viable businesses that it is a wonder
Japan’s Abe spurs PNG interest
Gas supplies sufficient for 25 years TWO new Japanese-initiated petrochemical plants – one each in Papua New Guinea and West Papua, Indonesia are set to pick up green lights as feasibility studies open new hopes
Pacific islands work on updating their sea charts
SPC starts work in Vanuatu The majority of the Pacific’s underwater charts are outdated with some of them dating back to Captain James Cook’s expeditions to the region in the 18th century. Secretariat of the
PNA day fee hike puts pressure on fishing fleets
States want greater share of income The Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA) continue to set the pace in fisheries management in the western Pacific and the group’s latest decisions are upsetting tuna fishing
SPC wins satellite imaging awards
Team covers activity costs with workload Many eyes will be focused on the Pacific Islands Forum and the upcoming Third International Conference on Small Island Developing States. But there are also smaller happenings
The ‘Olympic Games’ for Micronesia
Guam to dominate track and field events Majuro — Twenty years ago, the only way to get a report on a Micronesian Games competition—or even just a baseball or basketball score—was to have someone ring
Time to add value to seasonal labour scheme
One of the more significant announcements during Prime Minister John Key’s visit to three Pacific Island countries last month is that New Zealand will allow more seasonal workers from the islands to work on the