Donna

Regional workshop strengthens cross-border e-commerce capabilities for Pacific Customs

Nadi, Fiji – 21 March 2025 – A regional workshop on Cross-Border E-commerce was held in Nadi, Fiji, from 17 to 21 March 2025, bringing together 25 senior customs officials from Oceania Customs Organisation (OCO) member countries. The workshop was jointly organised by OCO and the PACER Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU), with support from Japan […]

Regional workshop strengthens cross-border e-commerce capabilities for Pacific Customs Read More »

PIFS launches ePulse to enable members to track their AfT and e-commerce implementation

Suva, Fiji – 25 February 2025 – The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) has unveiled ePulse, its newest digital solution designed to help Forum Member Countries monitor the progress on implementation of their national e-commerce strategies. The launch took place during the Pacific Aid-for-Trade (AfT) Day, where PIFS provided updates on its AfT initiatives, including Quality

PIFS launches ePulse to enable members to track their AfT and e-commerce implementation Read More »

Fiji launches National E-commerce Strategy to drive digital transformation and economic growth

Suva, Fiji – 25 February 2025 – The Government of Fiji officially launched its National E-commerce Strategy 2025–2029, becoming the fifth Forum Island Country with an e-commerce strategy. This document was developed in collaboration with the UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the Ministry of Trade, Co-operatives, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises and Communications, with support from Australia through the Pacific Digital Economy

Fiji launches National E-commerce Strategy to drive digital transformation and economic growth Read More »

Pacific E-commerce Alliance sets 2025 agenda and prepares for regional symposium

Suva, Fiji – 20 February 2025 – After its establishment in July 2023, the partners of the Pacific E-commerce Alliance (PacifEcom) met to discuss e-commerce activities in the region for 2025 and areas of collaboration. PacifEcom focuses on promoting and increasing awareness of the Pacific E-commerce Initiative, mobilising resources, and fostering partnerships to ensure greater

Pacific E-commerce Alliance sets 2025 agenda and prepares for regional symposium Read More »

Pacific Digital Transformation workshop accelerates regional collaboration

Suva, Fiji – 14 February 2025 –  The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) hosted a three-day regional Digital Transformation workshop for the Pacific in Suva with support from the Government of Fiji, the Government of Australia, and the Joint SDG Fund.  The workshop enabled participants to share digital-transformation experiences in the Pacific region. It also aimed to

Pacific Digital Transformation workshop accelerates regional collaboration Read More »

PIFS E-Biz Plus pilot drives digital growth for Pacific MSMEs

Suva, Fiji – 17 December 2024 – The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) is pleased to announce the successful conclusion of the PIFS E-Biz Plus pilot program. Launched in late 2023 and completed in September 2024, the program has supported micro, small, and medium businesses in the Federated States of Micronesia, Samoa, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu,

PIFS E-Biz Plus pilot drives digital growth for Pacific MSMEs Read More »

Empowering entrepreneurs: PIFS E-Biz workshop for handicraft vendors successfully delivered in Vanuatu

Port-Vila, Vanuatu – 11 November 2024 – The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) 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

Empowering entrepreneurs: PIFS E-Biz workshop for handicraft vendors successfully delivered in Vanuatu Read More »

Niue, Tonga and Vanuatu entrepreneurs get ready for e-commerce

Suva, Fiji – 12 November 2024 – 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

Niue, Tonga and Vanuatu entrepreneurs get ready for e-commerce Read More »

Siuhuu launches in Fiji, opening new markets for local businesses

Suva, Fiji – 7 November 2024 – 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

Siuhuu launches in Fiji, opening new markets for local businesses Read More »

First-ever national anti-scam awareness week held in Fiji

Suva, Fiji – 30 August 2024 – 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,

First-ever national anti-scam awareness week held in Fiji Read More »

The Pacific E-commerce Alliance gains a new regional partner with the Pacific Tourism Organization

Suva, Fiji – 22 August 2024 – 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

The Pacific E-commerce Alliance gains a new regional partner with the Pacific Tourism Organization Read More »

A new forum for Development Partners will accelerate E-commerce in the Pacific

Suva, Fiji – 19 August 2024 – 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

A new forum for Development Partners will accelerate E-commerce in the Pacific Read More »

Siuhuu welcomes new sellers from Papua New Guinea, expanding its Pacific reach

Suva, Fiji – 13 August 2024 – 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

Siuhuu welcomes new sellers from Papua New Guinea, expanding its Pacific reach Read More »

Mastercard Drives E-commerce Growth in the Pacific with Merchant Forums in Fiji

Suva, Fiji – 18 July 2024 – 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

Mastercard Drives E-commerce Growth in the Pacific with Merchant Forums in Fiji Read More »

The Blue Pacific celebrates 78 newly upskilled entrepreneurs to enhance e-commerce skills

Suva, Fiji – 06 June 2024 – 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

The Blue Pacific celebrates 78 newly upskilled entrepreneurs to enhance e-commerce skills Read More »

The Blue Pacific celebrates 30 of its policymakers and the launch of eCove Community

Suva, Fiji – 14 May 2024 – 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

The Blue Pacific celebrates 30 of its policymakers and the launch of eCove Community Read More »

PIFS E-commerce Business Toolkits empowering Private Sector in Tuvalu

Suva, Fiji – 06 May 2024 – 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

PIFS E-commerce Business Toolkits empowering Private Sector in Tuvalu Read More »

Cross-border Mobile Money transfer opens for Cook Islands and Fiji

Suva, Fiji – 30 April 2024 – 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

Cross-border Mobile Money transfer opens for Cook Islands and Fiji Read More »

The Pacific responds to declining Correspondent Banking Relations in the region

Suva, Fiji – 22 April 2024 – 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

The Pacific responds to declining Correspondent Banking Relations in the region Read More »

Pacific officials and stakeholders review progress of the Pacific Regional E-commerce Strategy and Roadmap

Suva, Fiji – 18 April 2024 – 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

Pacific officials and stakeholders review progress of the Pacific Regional E-commerce Strategy and Roadmap Read More »

First Private Sector Meeting on E-commerce Development in the Blue Pacific

Suva, Fiji – 22 March 2024 – 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

First Private Sector Meeting on E-commerce Development in the Blue Pacific Read More »

Empowering Entrepreneurs: PIFS E-biz workshop successfully delivered in FSM, Samoa, Tuvalu and Vanuatu

Suva, Fiji – 15 March 2024 – 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

Empowering Entrepreneurs: PIFS E-biz workshop successfully delivered in FSM, Samoa, Tuvalu and Vanuatu Read More »

Papua New Guinea explores accession to Cross-Border Paperless Trade Agreement

Suva, Fiji – 06 February 2024 – 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

Papua New Guinea explores accession to Cross-Border Paperless Trade Agreement Read More »

UNCTAD and UNESCAP embrace founding roles – Pacific E-commerce Alliance

Suva, Fiji – 11 December 2023 – 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

UNCTAD and UNESCAP embrace founding roles – Pacific E-commerce Alliance Read More »

Henry Puna and Mere Falemka at the HIgh Level session on a Regional approach to e-commerce and digital trade in the Pacific

Pacific Region’s work on e-commerce highlighted at UNCTAD eWeek

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 addresses gender disparity in the technology sector

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 »

Building Digital Capacity: PIFS Launches Second Cycle of E-commerce Rules for Pacific Policymakers

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

Building Digital Capacity: PIFS Launches Second Cycle of E-commerce Rules for Pacific Policymakers Read More »

Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat E-commerce Rules Course, 23 November 2023 to 20 February 2024

Empowering Pacific Negotiators: The 2nd cycle of PIFS E-commerce Rules Course

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 »

The Pacific E-commerce Alliance welcomes the Commonwealth Secretariat as its first founding partner

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 Pacific E-commerce Alliance welcomes the Commonwealth Secretariat as its first founding partner Read More »

Regional workshop advances E-commerce legal frameworks in the Pacific

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 2023

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.

UNCTAD eWeeK 2023 Read More »

Registration open for E-learning Course on Legal Aspects for E-commerce

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 »

Tuvalu paves the way for Cross-Border Paperless Trade with UN report launch

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 »

Cook Islands unveils E-commerce Work Plan

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 »

USAID’s Digital Connectivity Initiative aims to transform the Pacific

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 »

A step forward for the Pacific E-commerce Governance

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 »

Solomon Islands launches M-SELEN mobile money service

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 »

Launch of UN Report reveals Fiji’s digital and financial literacy landscape

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 »

M-PAiSA Mastercard emerges as a game-changing solution for the Pacific

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 »

Grant opportunity: Digital Innovative Solutions to support Pacific Agribusinesses

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 »

Pacific Island participants complete course on Digital Identity for Trade and Development

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,

Pacific Island participants complete course on Digital Identity for Trade and Development Read More »

A new cross-border mobile money service launched in the Pacific

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 approves Strategy to drive e-commerce development

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 »

Grant Opportunity: PIF E-commerce Grant for Pacific MSMEs

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 »

eTrade for Women Masterclass open to Pacific women digital entrepreneurs

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 »

Fiji’s first ticketing marketplace is now live

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 »

Trade made easier with Solomon Islands’ new e-commerce platform

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 »

Australia and PIF to improve e-commerce data in the Pacific

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 E-commerce Initiative welcomes UNCTAD’s Digital Economy Report: Pacific Edition 2022

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

The Pacific E-commerce Initiative welcomes UNCTAD’s Digital Economy Report: Pacific Edition 2022 Read More »

First Pacific E-commerce Committee meeting and M&E report

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 »

Get In Touch