UAE eyes Comprehensive Economic Partnership with Pacific as Fiji and PNG push regional trade
The United Arab Emirates has signaled interest in negotiating a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the Pacific region, a development highlighted by Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Manoa Kamikamica, during the Fiji-PNG Investment Business Forum in Nadi. Kamikamica spoke of growing global interest in deeper Pacific engagement and framed the UAE move as part of a broader push to diversify regional trade ties.
As two of Melanesia’s largest economies, Fiji and Papua New Guinea are positioning themselves to lead wider Pacific trade integration. Kamikamica told attendees that a CEPA could unlock new markets for exporters, attract investment into critical sectors, and diversify the Pacific’s global economic partnerships. He urged that Papua New Guinea, with its substantial economic scale and resources, is well-placed to take a leading role in these negotiations, ensuring the Pacific’s unique needs — particularly those of small island developing states — are reflected in any agreement.
The forum also underscored the Pacific region’s ongoing fisheries governance agenda. Kamikamica noted Fiji and PNG’s shared role at the World Trade Organization, where their joint advocacy helped secure the Fisheries Subsidies Agreement known as FISH1, a move aimed at curbing subsidies that fuel illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. With Fiji having ratified FISH1, PNG’s ratification would further bolster regional credibility as negotiations for the next phase, FISH2, proceed. The focus remains on delivering a fair, ambitious outcome that benefits communities and oceans alike.
Beyond fisheries, the UAE’s interest signals a broader appetite from development partners to forge strategic economic partnerships with the Pacific. The UAE has already contributed to closer ties through mechanisms like the UAE-Fiji Joint Business Council, and the momentum around CEPA and other regional trade initiatives is expected to accelerate collaboration across sectors such as agriculture, tourism, ICT, and manufacturing. Fiji has stressed that any such agreements must address Small Island Developing States’ needs while attracting sustainable investment.
The Fiji–PNG relationship continues to gain practical momentum. The two nations have revived their Fiji–PNG Business Council and are pursuing concrete steps to deepen cross-border activity, including planned business missions to PNG and discussions about potential dual-listings of regional companies on the Fiji South Pacific Stock Exchange and the PNG Stock Exchange. Recent forums in Nadi yielded tangible leads, with business delegations noting opportunities in diverse sectors and a wave of cross-border interest from both sides.
What this could mean for readers:
– A more integrated Pacific economy with stronger fisheries governance and reduced illegal fishing risk.
– Expanded opportunities for Fiji- and PNG-based businesses, including diversified products and resilient supply chains.
– Increased attention from international partners seeking regional partnerships, which could bring investment and jobs to both countries.
– A continued push to tailor trade policies to the needs of Small Island Developing States, potentially improving market access and development outcomes.
Summary
The UAE’s interest in a CEPA with the Pacific, coupled with renewed Fiji–PNG momentum and continued progress on fisheries governance, signals a heightened push toward a more integrated regional economy. With cross-border investment activity, revived business forums, and potential dual-listings on regional exchanges, Fiji and PNG are charting a pragmatic, outcomes-focused path to tangible economic benefits for their people and the broader Pacific.
Commentary
This trajectory reflects a practical model of regional cooperation where high-level diplomacy is matched by on-the-ground business engagement. The emphasis on fisheries governance, SIDS needs, and diversified investment channels helps balance growth with sustainability. If these efforts translate into concrete deals and market access improvements, the region could see stronger job creation, skills development, and resilience against global shocks.
What to watch next
– Timelines and milestones for CEPA negotiations with the UAE and other development partners.
– Progress on FISH2 negotiations and continued ratification by PNG to bolster regional leadership.
– Outcomes from upcoming business missions, potential cross-listings, and targeted investment opportunities across agriculture, tourism, ICT, and manufacturing.
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