Suva, Fiji – 23 April 2025 – Private Sector members supporting the Pacific Regional E-commerce Strategy and Roadmap (the Strategy) met for the second time to assess progress, identify challenges and drive forward the region’s e-commerce agenda. The meeting brought together more than 20 stakeholders, including representatives from 12 Forum Island Countries and various private sector organisations. The Pacific E-commerce Private Sector Sub-committee is one of the three bodies overseeing the implementation of the Strategy, alongside the Pacific E-commerce Development Partners Sub-committee, and reporting to the Pacific E-commerce Committee.

In her opening remarks, Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat’s Deputy Secretary General Desna Solofa reaffirmed the Secretariat’s commitment to the Pacific E-commerce Initiative, noting that e-commerce is central to achieving the goals of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, especially under its Resources and Economic Development, and Technology and Connectivity Thematic Areas. “Without the private sector taking the lead, e-commerce remains just an idea, rather than an engine for economic growth,” she noted.

Participants were presented with a snapshot of the Strategy’s implementation progress as of February 2025. The PIFS E-Biz Plus program was also introduced, showcasing practical support available to Pacific businesses. The program helps Pacific MSMEs transition online through tailored toolkits, training, coaching and grants. Implemented in FSM, Niue, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu, the program not only advances e-commerce development in the region but also ensures both immediate and long-term sustainable outcomes. Two private sector success stories were highlighted, as representatives from O’Tahiti Pearls (Samoa) and Hard Rock Sokehs (FSM) shared how the program transformed their businesses, boosting their digital capacity and opening access to new markets.

The meeting also featured a presentation of the 2025 private sector survey results, which reinforced the need to address business priorities such as trade logistics, digital payment systems, and access to capital, key enablers for a thriving Pacific e-commerce ecosystem.

As part of the ‘Any Other Business’ session, Mr Guillaume Terrien, Vice President of French Tech New Caledonia, introduced the new Village Pacific Tech project. Developed in collaboration with the Pacific Community and NeoTech, the initiative will support Pacific entrepreneurs to participate in VivaTech, the world’s largest technology fair.

The virtual meeting was chaired by Howard Politini, Chair of the Pacific Islands Private Sector Organization (PIPSO), and organised by the Secretariat.