Australia
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Vanuatu Denies China Security Pact as Australia’s Nakamal Talks Move Forward
Vanuatu’s prime minister rejects talk of a China security pact, insisting the Namele Agreement is a development partnership. With Australia pursuing its own Nakamal framework in parallel, regional influence and sovereignty are once again in the spotlight.
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Vanuatu Seeks China Help and Urges Renewable Shift as Pacific Faces Regional Fuel Crisis
Pacific nations brace for a tightening fuel crisis as energy security becomes a flashpoint for climate policy and diplomacy. Vanuatu’s climate minister signals a tougher stance on fossil fuels and hints at new partnerships, reshaping regional energy questions as reserves dwindle and prices push higher.
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Fiji and Australia Expand Vuvale Partnership to Boost Fuel Security and Energy Resilience
Fiji and Australia push the Vuvale Partnership beyond security and trade, spotlighting fuel security and energy resilience in the Pacific. While no formal agreement emerged, the talks point to follow-up discussions on practical steps to strengthen regional supply resilience and power stability.
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New Zealand says no immediate risk for Pacific leaders travelling to the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, pledges help if fuel disruptions hit
New Zealand says there’s no immediate risk to Pacific leaders traveling to the Palau Forum, even as fuel pressures loom. Wellington also notes it’s ready to help if supply shocks make travel tougher in the months ahead.
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ILO urges Pacific to reform PALM and RSE schemes to cut costs and expand healthcare
New findings on Pacific temporary labor schemes expose persistent costs, barriers to switching employers, and gaps in protections that affect workers and their families. The report outlines practical reforms—from sharing costs and streamlining employer transfers to expanding healthcare and boosting inclusion—that could make mobility fairer and more sustainable.
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Fiji tourism receipts rise 10.9% in 2025 to $2.81B on higher visitor spend despite shorter stays
Fiji’s tourism rebound is gathering steam, driven by stronger spending even as the average stay edges lower. Yet global costs, flight disruptions and geopolitical tensions loom as key risks that could shape the year ahead.
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New Pacific Geopolitics Book Launched in Suva Explores Island States’ Navigation of US–China Rivalry
A major new regional study maps how Pacific island nations are navigating rising great-power competition while safeguarding sovereignty and development. From Tuvalu’s climate-driven vulnerability to Fiji’s pragmatic balancing act, it argues for strategic pragmatism and inclusive partnerships as the path to regional peace and resilience.
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Fiji PALM Scheme workers open voluntary FNPF accounts to boost long-term savings
Years working abroad left them with a wake-up call: earnings vanish without a plan. A Fiji couple responds with a simple move—opening voluntary savings and laying the groundwork for a more secure future. Small steps today could make all the difference tomorrow.
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Fiji seeks Australian private investment to become a Pacific hub for manufacturing and agri-tech
Fiji is positioning itself as a Pacific gateway for manufacturing, agri-tech, and port services, appealing to Australian private investment. An Adelaide forum outlined how a skilled workforce and strategic location could pair with practical pathways and cultural foundations to foster enduring partnerships across the region.
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Fiji-Australia Business Mission Kicks Off in Melbourne as Vinay’s Foods Plans Labasa Expansion to Grow Exports
Fiji’s private-sector–led mission to Australia kicked off in Melbourne, setting the stage for closer ties with Australian distributors. Leaders discussed expanding exports of cowpeas, plantain and other staples, alongside plans to boost processing on Vanua Levu to create jobs and add value on the island. The push aims to turn growing interest into lasting trade…