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 …
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 …
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 …
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 »
A comprehensive Pacific E-commerce Dataset is now online through a partnership between the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), the Pacific Community (SPC) and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). The dataset aims to assist Pacific Governments and businesses in making well-informed decisions regarding national and regional policymaking. The Pacific dataset on ecommerce is …
Pacific Data Hub expands to cover Pacific E-commerce statistics Read More »
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