Jobs at the heart of the new playbook for Pacific small states
WHEN a 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck Vanuatu in 2024, nearly 80,000 people — roughly one quarter of the population — were
Economy
Economic concerns rise as Middle East conflicts escalates
THERE are growing concerns in the Pacific tonight that fuel prices will jump in the coming weeks following the Israeli and US
Brace for impact – Fiji’s consumer watchdog warns of poential fuel price hike
FIJI’S consumer watchdog has warned that the current crisis in the Middle East could affect fuel and food
Middle East conflict will hit Pacific – Solomons academic
THE escalating conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran will have direct consequences for the Pacific, warns Solomon Islands academic Dr. Transform
Briefs
CONGRESSWOMAN Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen is optimistic that federal funding for critical port improvements in American Samoa will ultimately be
Puna takes helm at Pacific Islands Development Program
FORMER Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum, Henry Puna, has now been appointed Interim
Samoa considers national minimum wage
SAMOA’S cabinet has approved consultations on a national minimum wage of $WST6 an hour and announced a pay rise for all civil
Modest growth for Samoa tourism
VISITOR arrivals to Samoa grew by 0.3 per cent between January and November 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, indicating modest but encouraging growth for the tourism
Tourism remains central to Fiji’s economy – Gavoka
TOURISM remains the engine of Fiji’s economy, with the sector recording a milestone 986,367 visitor arrivals in
Third Fiji Tourism Convention kicks off
TOURISM remains at the heart of Fiji’s economy and will continue to drive national progress, declared Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Viliame
Labour remittances hit all-time high in Solomons
SOLOMON Islanders working abroad sent home a record $USD61 million between July 2024 and June
PNG’s IMF-led reform era draws to a close
THE International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan program with Papua New Guinea will end in 2026. PNG had turned to the IMF for financial support four times prior—all during the 1990s and early 2000s—for under two years at
Bougainville’s Toroama urges economic sustainability
BOUGAINVILLE has been urged to become economically independent as its leaders seek full independence from Papua New Guinea by
Fiji’s sports economy to contribute $FJD250 million per year
FIJI'S economy relies heavily on tourism, the largest foreign-exchange earner, which boosts the country's Gross Domestic Product
Fiji launches Green Finance Taxonomy for sustainability
FIJI has officially launched its first Green Finance Taxonomy, establishing a pioneering framework to drive investment in climate and development priorities as part of a vital shift toward a low-carbon
Fast payments seen as a key to Pacific growth
“FAST payments are not just a trend but a fundamental evolution in the way money moves,” Reserve Bank of Fiji Governor Ariff Ali told regional finance leaders as the Pacific Fast Payments Systems Workshop concluded
Fiji pushes for economic excellence
FIJI has shifted its investment policy to a facilitative approach, aiming to boost the impact of investment on the economy and
ENBi marks a turning point for Pacific tuna development
The Pacific Ocean is home to the largest tuna stock in the world, yet the issue of monitoring, sustainability and financial benefits have always been illusive and
“Vuvale” relationship soars with new flight
A NEW direct flight and a massive economic injection from a sporting partnership are underscoring the Vuvale (family) relationship between Australia and Fiji, signalling a strong outlook for shared
Fiji: The next frontier for bold business investment
FIJI is becoming a key destination for business investment, attracting the interest of leaders and prominent business entrepreneurs seeking to build partnerships that support local communities and boost economic
Australia-Fiji business forum to spotlight revitalised Fiji economy
FIJI'S economic transformation and future trade opportunities will take centre stage at this year’s 29th Australia-Fiji Business Forum, says Council President Zane
PNG at 50 – what next?
PAPUA New guinea this week marked the 50th anniversary of regaining its independence from