Fiji and Papua New Guinea push deeper trade ties to safeguard Pacific fisheries and boost regional integration
Fiji’s Acting Prime Minister and Trade Minister Manoa Kamikamica says the two Pacific nations must deepen their trade partnership to drive regional integration and protect the Pacific’s vital fisheries. He outlined a path to expand trade and investment with PNG, including scaled-up supply chains, diversified products, and a stronger voice for Pacific leadership on the global stage.
Kamikamica highlighted the two countries’ influence at the World Trade Organization, where joint advocacy helped secure the Fisheries Subsidies Agreement known as FISH1, which seeks to curb subsidies that fuel illegal and unregulated fishing. Fiji has already ratified FISH1, and Kamikamica said Papua New Guinea’s ratification would bolster regional credibility as negotiations on FISH2 continue. The move comes as development partners, including the United Arab Emirates, show interest in forging a broader economic partnership with the Pacific.
The minister stressed that Fiji and PNG must ensure these agreements address the unique needs of Small Island Developing States while attracting investment into key sectors. The push for stronger ties builds on a broader regional effort to tackle trade imbalances, boost market access, and create a more business-friendly environment across the Pacific.
Context from ongoing engagement between the two nations points to a broader momentum. Recent discussions surrounding a revived Fiji-PNG Business Council and plans for business delegations to PNG signal a growing appetite for cross-border activity across sectors such as tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing. In related coverage, there have been mentions of tangible steps like joint forums to identify investment opportunities and potential pathways for dual-listing companies on both the Fiji South Pacific Stock Exchange and the PNG Stock Exchange, underscoring a concerted effort to deepen regional capital markets and investment flows.
What this could mean for readers
– A more integrated Pacific economy with stronger fisheries governance and reduced illegal, unregulated fishing risks.
– Expanded opportunities for Fiji and PNG-based businesses, including diversified products and resilient supply chains.
– Increased attention from international partners seeking regional economic partnerships, which could bring investment and jobs to both countries.
– A continued push to align trade policies with the needs of Small Island Developing States, potentially improving market access and development outcomes.
Summary: The Fiji-PNG partnership is entering a more ambitious phase, focusing on trade growth, fisheries governance, and regional leadership. With ratifications of global agreements, revived business forums, and planned investment missions, the two nations aim to translate dialogue into tangible opportunities that bolster sustainable development and resilience across the Pacific.
Comment: This trajectory reinforces a hopeful outlook for Pacific regionalism, where collaborative trade and shared standards can uplift livelihoods, protect vital ecosystems, and attract sustainable investment. The emphasis on fisheries governance and SIDS-friendly approaches helps balance economic growth with environmental stewardship. The coming months should reveal concrete projects and partnerships that translate these commitments into jobs and prosperity for communities across Fiji and Papua New Guinea.
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