On 11 November, the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) hosted an e-commerce workshop to enhance the online entrepreneurial skills of women handicraft vendors in Vanuatu, a key subsector sustaining the local economy and contributing to employment and sustainable development. “The Pacific Islands are rich with unique products that have tremendous potential on the global stage,” said […]
Local businesses in Niue, Tonga, and Vanuatu have gained new skills to enhance their online presence, reach new domestic and international markets and contribute to increase trade flows in the Blue Pacific continent. The workshop, held simultaneously in the three countries on 6 and 7 November (5 and 6 November in Niue), provided essential skills
Niue, Tonga and Vanuatu entrepreneurs get ready for e-commerce Read More »
A major marketplace in the Pacific, Siuhuu, has officially launched in Fiji on Thursday 31 October, providing a new platform for local vendors to reach and expand markets nationally, regionally and globally. The online platform, which supports businesses across the Pacific and beyond, is now available to Fijian entrepreneurs seeking to tap into the growing
Siuhuu launches in Fiji, opening new markets for local businesses Read More »
The rising threat of online scams, combined with the growing numbers of internet users in the Pacific, has created an urgent need to strengthen digital defenses and protect communities from fraudulent online activities. In response, Fiji became the first Pacific country to organise a National Anti-Scam Awareness Week, which took place in Suva from August
First-ever national anti-scam awareness week held in Fiji Read More »
Today, the Pacific Tourism Organization (SPTO) joined the Pacific Regional E-commerce Alliance (PacifEcom) by signing the Statement of Intent and forging a new strategic alliance to boost e-commerce development in the Pacific. E-commerce is a priority of the Pacific Aid-for-Trade Strategy 2020-2025 and aligns to the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent under the
The inaugural meeting of the Pacific E-commerce Development Partners Sub-committee took place on 15 August 2024, marking a significant milestone in the effort to streamline and coordinate e-commerce development across the Blue Pacific. The Pacific E-commerce Initiative, launched in 2018, aims to advance e-commerce in the region. The Forum Trade Ministers in 2021 endorsed the
A new forum for Development Partners will accelerate E-commerce in the Pacific Read More »
Siuhuu is excited to announce the addition of Papua New Guinea’s vendors to its platform. This expansion broadens its coverage across the Pacific region, diversifying the range of products and services available for costumers. Launched in 2022, Siuhuu is the first online marketplace dedicated to connecting and empowering Pacific Island communities by providing a platform
Siuhuu welcomes new sellers from Papua New Guinea, expanding its Pacific reach Read More »
Mastercard Pacific’s recent series of forums across Fiji have raised awareness about the adoption of digital payments and their potential benefits for local merchants. These dialogues contribute to Mastercard’s dedication to accelerating e-commerce development across the region. During the Suva forum, Craig Kirkland, Head of Mastercard Pacific, highlighted the rapid growth of digital payments in
Mastercard Drives E-commerce Growth in the Pacific with Merchant Forums in Fiji Read More »
The Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) has proudly celebrated the achievement of 78 entrepreneurs who successfully completed the E-Biz Training Workshop, an initiative designed to equip business owners with essential digital transformation skills. This training is a crucial component of the PIF E-Biz Plus program, designed to support small businesses from the Pacific in their online
The award ceremony for 30 Pacific policymakers who successfully completed the PIFS E-commerce Rules course from November 2023 to February 2024 marks the end of the cycle for 2024. Their learning journey, however, is not finished. Indeed, the ceremony saw the launch of the eCove Community, a Pacific online platform set to offer a range
The Blue Pacific celebrates 30 of its policymakers and the launch of eCove Community Read More »
Tuvalu and the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) launched two new E-commerce Business Toolkits set to support the Private Sector to move their businesses online. This launch is yet another testament of the importance that Tuvalu gives to participating in the digital economy. The toolkits are an invaluable resource for the Tuvalu’s private sector to
PIFS E-commerce Business Toolkits empowering Private Sector in Tuvalu Read More »
As of April 2024, people can make cross-border money mobile transfers between Cook Islands and Fiji. This milestone achievement not only enhances the competitive landscape for remittance services in the region but has also the potential to improve people’s lives. The new service is possible thanks to the partnership between mHits, leading Australian FinTech mobile
Cross-border Mobile Money transfer opens for Cook Islands and Fiji Read More »
The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) and the World Bank co-organised the first High-level gathering on 27-28 March in Sydney to address the decline of Correspondent Banking Relations (CBR) in the region. This meeting marks the initial step in implementing the CBR Action Plan, endorsed by Forum Economic Ministers in August 2023. The Pacific region
The Pacific responds to declining Correspondent Banking Relations in the region Read More »
The Pacific Regional E-commerce Strategy and Roadmap (the Strategy) is gaining momentum, with the latest update revealing that 61% of its measures are under implementation. The Strategy endorsed by Forum Trade Ministers in 2021 is steadily progressing since the previous update from 2022 reporting that 43% of the measures were under implementation. The good news
The inaugural meeting of the Pacific E-commerce Private Sector Sub-committee on 22 March 2024 marked a significant milestone in coordinating e-commerce development initiatives across the Blue Pacific region. Under the leadership of Mr Howard Politini, Board Chair of the Pacific Islands Private Sector Organisation (PIPSO), the Sub-committee highlighted the need for a governance mechanism to
First Private Sector Meeting on E-commerce Development in the Blue Pacific Read More »
The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) proudly completed its E-commerce training tailored to four countries and aimed at supporting small businesses in transitioning from online to offline. Training workshops were held simultaneously in Samoa, Tuvalu and Vanuatu earlier in the year, with the fourth being extended to the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) in mid-March
Papua New Guinea’s (PNG) Ministry of International Trade and Investment (MITI) convened a comprehensive national consultation on 6th February to deliberate on the country’s potential accession to the Framework Agreement on Facilitation of Cross-border Paperless Trade (CPTA). CPTA is a UN Treaty whose aim is to make cross-border exchange of electronic data and documents among
Papua New Guinea explores accession to Cross-Border Paperless Trade Agreement Read More »
During the UNCTAD eWeek in Geneva, Switzerland, from December 4-8, 2023, the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) officially become founding partners of the Pacific E-commerce Alliance (PacifEcom), paving the way to strengthened collaboration for e-commerce development in the Pacific. The
UNCTAD and UNESCAP embrace founding roles – Pacific E-commerce Alliance Read More »
The Pacific was under the spotlight at the UNCTAD eWeek from December 4-8, 2023, in Geneva, showcasing a regional approach to enhancing trade through technology and connectivity. Centre stage at the UNCTAD eWeek was taken with two High-level sessions featuring ‘A Regional Approach to E-commerce and Digital Trade in the Pacific’ and ‘Donor Roundtable –
Pacific Region’s work on e-commerce highlighted at UNCTAD eWeek Read More »
The Pacific Islands Forum joined forces with Outsource Fiji for the auspicious WinTech event, occurred on the 1st of December in Suva. This collaborative effort is geared towards addressing gender disparities in the Pacific’s technology sector and actively advancing the 2050 Strategy Implementation Plan. Acting Director of Policy, Mr Joel Nilon, in his opening remarks
The Pacific Islands Forum addresses gender disparity in the technology sector Read More »
The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) proudly announces the commencement of the second iteration of its E-commerce Rules Course for Policymakers. This blended course builds upon the training materials available on the Pacific E-commerce Portal, recently updated to reflect the latest developments. The opening of the 8-week part-time course was officiated by Mr Noah Patrick
The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) is gearing up for the second cycle of the PIFS E-commerce Rules Course for Pacific policymakers, scheduled from 23 November 2023 to 20 February 2024. The training is aimed at enhancing the capacity of Pacific Negotiators in working on and engaging with e-commerce rules. The growth of e-commerce has
Empowering Pacific Negotiators: The 2nd cycle of PIFS E-commerce Rules Course Read More »
A significant moment in history of E-commerce development in the Pacific region unfolded today as the Commonwealth Secretariat becomes the first to sign the Statement of Intent for the Pacific Regional E-commerce Alliance, also known as PacifEcom. The Commonwealth Secretariat’s commitment to supporting e-commerce development in the Pacific is exemplified through this historic step. PacifEcom
The Commonwealth Secretariat, in partnership with the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS), Asia Development Bank (ADB), and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) hosted a 3-day regional workshop centered on e-commerce legal frameworks. The event, held at PIFS in Suva, brought together more than 40 legal, ICT, and trade officials from Forum
Regional workshop advances E-commerce legal frameworks in the Pacific Read More »
UNCTAD eWeek: Shaping Our Digital Future with Global Insights From 4 to 8 December 2023, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) will hold the next edition of the eWeek. Digitalisation is one of the most influential mega-trends that will affect development outcomes in the short and medium term and determine our future.
Pacific Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and delegates from Permanent Missions in Geneva have an exciting opportunity to enhance their knowledge in the field of e-commerce. Registration is now open for an e-learning course titled ‘Legal Aspects for E-commerce,’ scheduled to run from October 30 to December 8, 2023. The TrainforTrade Programme is the United
Registration open for E-learning Course on Legal Aspects for E-commerce Read More »
The Readiness Assessment on Cross-border Paperless Trade report co-launched by the Government of Tuvalu and the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) offers an evaluation of the country’s ability to trade by enabling electronic trade processes and documentation across borders. According to UNESCAP, paperless trade makes international trade more efficient
Tuvalu paves the way for Cross-Border Paperless Trade with UN report launch Read More »
On 23 August, Cook Islands launched an E-commerce Acceleration Work Plan marking a significant milestone. The Work Plan is intended to leverage the prevalence of internet connectivity to promote e-commerce and trade growth. The Work Plan closely resembles national e-commerce strategies developed by other Forum Island Countries as it aligns in both scope and methodology
Cook Islands unveils E-commerce Work Plan Read More »
In August 2023, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) launched in Suva the Digital Connectivity and Cybersecurity Partnership (DCCP), a program aiming at accelerating ICT Infrastructure development and promoting a secure online environment in the Pacific region. Digital connectivity is a critical factor for the Pacific to integrate its domestic markets and move
USAID’s Digital Connectivity Initiative aims to transform the Pacific Read More »
In July 2023, the Pacific E-commerce Committee (PEC) approved the terms of reference of two sub-committees through an out-of-session decision. The newly approved Private Sector E-commerce Sub-committee and the Development Partners E-commerce Sub-committee mark a significant advancement in the governance structure that supports the Pacific Regional E-commerce Strategy and Roadmap (the Strategy). With 54 measures,
A step forward for the Pacific E-commerce Governance Read More »
On 12 June, Solomon Islands launched its third mobile money service, M-SELEN. Thanks to Our Telekom, Solomon Islands leading mobile network operator, and the support from the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), the app will be a key enabler to financial inclusivity and online purchasing for the unbanked population. According to the Pacific Regional
Solomon Islands launches M-SELEN mobile money service Read More »
In 2022, the UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) conducted a Digital and Financial Literacy Baseline Survey in seven Pacific Island Countries: Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Tonga, and Vanuatu. Fiji was the first of the Pacific countries where the survey was rolled out. On 27 July 2023, UNCDF and the Reserve Bank
Launch of UN Report reveals Fiji’s digital and financial literacy landscape Read More »
The Pacific E-commerce Initiative welcomes the launch of M-PAiSA Mastercard, an exciting addition to Pacific e-payment solutions. Through M-PAiSA Mastercard, the partnership between Vodafone and Mastercard in Fiji opens the doors for M-PAiSA customers to purchase products domestically and internationally with assured security. Vodafone Fiji Board Chair, Mr Joe Taoi, said, “The launch of M-PAiSA
M-PAiSA Mastercard emerges as a game-changing solution for the Pacific Read More »
The United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) is inviting private sectors innovators to submit proposals on digital innovative solutions to support micro to medium scale Pacific Agribusinesses. The Pacific Agri-MSME Digital Innovation Challenge will offer grants of up to USD 80,000 and a range of support services to design and launch digital solutions that support
Grant opportunity: Digital Innovative Solutions to support Pacific Agribusinesses Read More »
46 participants from the Pacific obtained certificates of completion from the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) organized course on “Digital Identity for Trade and Development” (DITD) for Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Participants that attended the training were from Fiji, Kiribati, Republic of Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands,
The Pacific E-commerce Initiative welcomes the launch of a new feature connecting Vodafone’s M-PAiSA and M-Vatu services and allowing cross-border money transfers. The new feature allows greater convenience to remit funds across the borders from Fiji to Vanuatu paving way for inclusive digital transfer solutions and instantaneous transfer. The new service directly implements Measure 5.1.4
A new cross-border mobile money service launched in the Pacific Read More »
Solomon Islands national Government launched its first National E-commerce Strategy and Roadmap 2022-2027 (the Strategy) on 28 April 2023. The Strategy is expected to accelerate digitization, spur the development of e-commerce in the country and boost trade. The Strategy envisages that, by 2027, e-commerce will be supporting businesses of all sizes and consumers across Solomon
Solomon Islands approves Strategy to drive e-commerce development Read More »
The Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) is now inviting grant proposals from members of the Pacific business community seeking to boost business operations through e-commerce. Launched on 4 May 2022, the regional grant facility is funded by Korea and managed by PIF. The facility aims to provide capital support to Pacific Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)
Grant Opportunity: PIF E-commerce Grant for Pacific MSMEs Read More »
The eTrade for Women Initiative, launched by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), has been successful in empowering women entrepreneurs, including through hosting Masterclasses globally since its inception in New York in 2019. These Masterclasses, with a common goal of assisting women entrepreneurs in taking their businesses to the next level, have
eTrade for Women Masterclass open to Pacific women digital entrepreneurs Read More »
A new online ticketing marketplace, TicketMax Fiji, aims at enhancing the ticketing and leisure experience in Fiji. This innovative platform is set to revolutionize the way entertainment enthusiasts across the country purchase tickets for their favourite events. Accessing the leisure industry may just never be the same again. The leisure industry poses a significant challenge
Fiji’s first ticketing marketplace is now live Read More »
Launched in November 2022, Klikpei is Solomon Islands’ first national e-commerce platform and provides improved pathways to buy and sell goods and services for local buyers. The locally owned platform is accessible through website and mobile application, and managed by Island Tech Solomon. As of today, 14 registered vendors trade a wide range of both
Trade made easier with Solomon Islands’ new e-commerce platform Read More »
The Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) and Australia have signed a grant agreement to improve E-commerce Statistics in the Pacific. The funding agreement worth $84,000 AUD was signed in Geneva in January 2023 by PIF’s Permanent Representative and Ambassador, HE Ms Mere Falemaka, and Australia’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the World Trade Organization, HE Mr
Australia and PIF to improve e-commerce data in the Pacific Read More »
The Pacific Blue Continent became a torchbearer in expanding the wealth of knowledge of the digital economy as the first-ever regional edition of the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) flagship Digital Economy Report was launched on 16 February at the Pacific Islands Forum in Suva. The Digital Economy Report: Pacific Edition 2022 highlights
A significant milestone was reached on 2 December 2022 with the inaugural meeting of the Pacific E-commerce Committee. This event marked a major achievement for the Pacific E-commerce Initiative by establishing a dedicated forum aimed at accelerating e-commerce readiness in the Pacific region. Guided by the Pacific Regional E-commerce Strategy and Roadmap, the Committee is
First Pacific E-commerce Committee meeting and M&E report Read More »
Registration is now open for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the Pacific to undertake an e-learning course on Digital Identity from 13 February to 31 March 2023. The training is part of United National Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) TrainForTrade Programme and has been crafted to meet the needs and expectations of the
Registration Open for E-learning Course on Digital Identity Read More »
The UNCTAD-led eTrade for all initiative has gained a new member. The Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) has formalised its engagements with the initiative, raising the membership to 35 partners. As the latest member of eTrade for all, PIF will contribute to bridging the gap on e-commerce learning and knowledge in the region and share the Pacific experiences with
The Pacific Islands Forum becomes the 35th member of the eTrade for all initiative Read More »
Thirteen Pacific countries will benefit from the UNCTAD-TrainforTrade, one of the partners of the Pacific E-commerce Initiative, blended learning strategy to boost the digital economy in Small Island Developing States. Officially launched on 15 July 2022 in Geneva, the project aims to foster digital economy development on three specific components – legal aspects of e-commerce,
Samoa launched its National E-commerce Strategy and Roadmap in Upolu on 30 September 2022. The five-year framework, which aligns to the Pacific Regional E-commerce Strategy and Roadmap and the 2050 Strategy for the Pacific Blue Continent, acknowledges that e-commerce is rapidly changing the traditional market system of the country into a digital one. It offers
Samoa Ecommerce Strategy and Roadmap launched Read More »
The Pacific E-commerce Initiative commends the partnership between Ka Hao and Pacific Trade Invest New Zealand to deliver E-commerce education for our Pacific communities. To take advantage of the opportunities offered by digital trade, Ka Hao in collaboration with PTI New Zealand will provide training targeting emerging Pacific businesses. The aim is to promote their
Ka Hao and PTI New Zealand deliver e-commerce skills to Pacific communities Read More »
The Pacific E-commerce Partners welcome Tonga for the adoption of its National E-commerce Strategy and Roadmap. The Strategy was endorsed by Cabinet in November 2021. “The adoption of the Tonga E-commerce Strategy is an extremely important milestone in our post-COVID recovery efforts. At the core of the Strategy lies our vision to on-board everyone: women, marginalised
Tonga adopts its National E-commerce Strategy and Roadmap Read More »
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