Pacific Trade Invest strengthens regional economic cooperation

Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General Baron Divavesi Waqa addressed the 11th Pacific Trade Invest (PTI) Independent Advisory Board Meeting in Suva, Fiji. The meeting focused on aligning PTI’s operations with the 2050 Strategy and the outcomes of the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Palau, emphasizing economic resilience, regional cooperation, and private-sector development.

As the current strategic cycle nears its end, the PTI is preparing for the 2027–2031 Strategic Plan. This upcoming plan aims to translate regional policy commitments into practical trade, investment, and market access opportunities for Pacific businesses.

In a separate development, Pacific Trade Invest New Zealand and Fiji’s Ministry of Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Industry signed a three-year memorandum of understanding to bolster Fiji’s pineapple industry. Supported by a NZ$115,000 investment, the partnership focuses on national branding, market research, and export readiness, with New Zealand identified as a priority market. While Fiji’s pineapple production increased by 45.5% between 2023 and 2025, exports remained low at 16.5 tonnes in 2025, highlighting a significant opportunity for commercial growth.