Suva, Fiji – 5 June 2025 – The Pacific E-commerce Committee (PEC) met virtually for the third time. The meeting was joined by over 50 e-commerce focal points from Forum Island Countries (FICs), partners and agencies implementing the Pacific Regional E-commerce Strategy and Roadmap (the Strategy). PEC oversees the governance mechanism of the Pacific E-commerce Initiative and steers and monitors the progress on implementation of the Strategy.

The meeting reviewed the 2024 M&E report, presented the outcomes and updates of the Development Partners and Private Sector’s Sub-committee meetings in 2025, received the updates from member countries on their e-commerce initiatives, including progress on the implementation of their national strategies, and provided updates on the Pacific E-commerce Alliance (PacifEcom), including its Engagement Plan 2025 and  the concept note for the Pacific E-commerce Symposium in 2026.

Findings from the M&E report indicated positive advancements, with 30% implementation rate on its 54 regional measures implemented by 123 projects and over USD 150 million committed by donor partners. Key Policy Area (KPA) 1, which includes reports, strategies, policies and data, continues to lead the implementation rate across all other areas, although notable progress was observed in KPA 2 (ICT infrastructure and services), which jumped 16 points in the last year to 31% implementation rate. Lagging behind with slower progress are KPAs 3 (trade logistics and trade facilitation) and 7 ( access to finance for e-commerce).

The Deputy Chairs from the two Pacific E-commerce Sub-committees (Development Partners and Private Sector) presented the outcomes of their meetings. Some focus was given on the results from the surveys circulated to their members. Both sub-committees suggest prioritization of measures under e-payment solutions for e-commerce and trade logistics and facilitation. Development partners saw also value in the adoption of the use of international standards to support e-commerce, while the private sector would like to prioritise the development of digital economy or e-commerce business associations.

Fiji presented on its comprehensive and recently launched National E-commerce Strategy 2025-2029. The Solomon Islands then presented on its strategy implementation, highlighting achievements gained through the establishment of a dedicated unit to oversee implementation and setting up various technical working groups to support, among others.  Finally, Kiribati introduced its efforts towards laying strong legal foundations for e-commerce following the enactment of cyberlaws.

Members were also informed of the work of PacifEcom. Firstly, the PacifEcom Engagement Plan was introduced as a live tool to coordinate development efforts and create awareness among the partners of the Pacific E-commerce Initiative. Secondly, the concept note for the Pacific E-commerce Symposium planned for 2026 was presented and approved. This platform aims to bring together members and all relevant stakeholders to partake in information sharing, innovation and building networks to promote digital trade in the region.

The meeting concluded with announcements on change of leadership for the two sub-committees:

• Outgoing Chair of the Development Partners Sub-committee, Mr Roy Lagolago (PPIU), will be succeeded by Ms Shannon White (DFAT);

• Outgoing Deputy Chair of the Development Partners Sub-committee, Ms Vashti Maharaj (ComSec), will be succeeded by Ms Nancy Oraka (OCO); and

• Outgoing Deputy Chair of the Private Sector Sub-committee, Ms Winifred Kula (PNG Digital ICT Cluster), will be succeeded by Ms Vaine Arioka (Cook Islands Chamber of Commerce).