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, helping them enhance e-commerce readiness, expand market reach, and improve product promotion.

The program included four key components: the development of e-commerce toolkits, training workshops, coaching, and a grant scheme for selected businesses. These efforts helped businesses access vital resources and expertise, enabling them to tap into new trade opportunities both domestically and internationally. Throughout the pilot, over 77 businesses received a three-and-a-half-day training from e-commerce experts and eight businesses were selected for the coaching and grant schemes.

Zarak Khan, PIFS Director of Programmes & Initiatives, said, “Thanks to the funding support from the European Union and aligning with the Blue Pacific Strategy, this program empowers Pacific businesses to strengthen their digital presence, tap into new market opportunities, and drive regional trade growth. By fostering strong, resilient businesses, we are helping build a more sustainable and prosperous Pacific economy.”

Key successes include:

• Hard Rock Sokehs (FSM) launched an e-commerce site, tripling sales since September 2024.
• Talofa Studios (Tuvalu) and Malekula Island Organic (Vanuatu) improved their business plans and online presence.
• O-Tahiti Pearls (Samoa) enhanced its marketing and saw a 20% increase in online sales.
• Tanny Island Sarong (Samoa) and Hot Hula Fitness (Vanuatu) expanded their product lines, boosting visibility and sales.

Thanks to its success, the program has expanded to Niue and Tonga in 2024 and will be implemented in Kiribati in 2025. The implementation of its iterations has been funded by Australia, the European Union, and the PACER Plus Implementation Unit, and has benefited from technical support from the Commonwealth Secretariat. PIFS and its partners remain committed to helping businesses grow their online presence, engage customers, and drive sales across the Pacific, in alignment with the Pacific Regional E-commerce Strategy and Roadmap and the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent – all under the framework of the Pacific E-commerce Initiative.

Photo courtesy of OTahiti Pearls, used with permission.