Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel and Fiji’s ambassador to the US, Ilisoni Vuidreketi, are among a group of leaders and ministers from the Pacific Islands Forum participating in a two-day investment summit that commenced yesterday at the East-West Centre’s Auditorium in Honolulu, Hawai’i. This significant event, themed “The Pacific Agenda: Investment, Security and Shared Prosperity,” is co-hosted by US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau and Admiral Samuel Paparo, Commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command.
The summit aims to advance the economic priorities of the Pacific region and bolster strategic partnerships with the United States. Leaders from the Pacific Islands are engaging in discussions with senior US government officials and executives from the private sector, focusing on unlocking new investment opportunities, enhancing economic cooperation, and strengthening the region’s resilience.
During the opening address, Pacific Islands Forum chair and Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands, Jeremiah Manele, emphasized the importance of partnerships based on transparency, mutual respect, and long-term commitment to achieving impactful development for the people. He conveyed that the prosperity of the Pacific region will increasingly rely on collaboration between governments and the private sector, highlighting the significance of innovation and resilience in advancing regional priorities.
Additionally, ten journalists from Pacific islands are attending the summit under the East-West Centre’s fellowship program, further enriching the event by bringing in diverse voices and perspectives.
The two-day summit is set to conclude today, leaving a hopeful outlook for enhanced cooperation and investment in the Pacific, which could lead to long-lasting benefits for the region and its communities.
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