Empowering Pacific businesses through e-commerce toolkits, training, coaching and grants to drive regional trade growth
SUVA, 11 February 2025 — The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) is excited to announce the successful conclusion of the PIFS E-Biz Plus pilot program. Launched in late 2023 and concluded in September 2024, the program supported targeted micro, small and medium businesses in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Samoa, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu It enhanced their e-commerce readiness, expanded market access, and strengthened product promotion. Overall, the initiative empowered businesses to explore new trade opportunities both domestically and internationally.
The PIFS E-Biz Plus program comprises of four steps: the development of PIFS e-commerce business toolkits, delivery of PIFS e-commerce training workshops to businesses, tailored coaching, and a grant scheme for selected businesses. While the first two components benefit the broader private sector in the participating countries, the coaching and grant scheme specifically target eight businesses (two per country), addressing their unique needs.
Zarak Khan, PIFS’ Director of Programmes & Initiatives, stated, "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."
Following the implementation of the program, businesses now have free access to the PIFS E-commerce Business Toolkits, providing valuable information, insights, and sector-specific guidance tailored to each country's comparative advantages. To complement these toolkits, a series of three half-day workshops were conducted in each of the four participating countries, engaging over 77 entrepreneurs in practical e-commerce training and capacity building.
In each pilot country, two businesses were selected for the next phase of the program, which include three days of coaching from international experts over a three-month period, along with a small grant to support the implementation of their e-commerce projects. The selected businesses were eager to participate in the coaching scheme, applying their learnings and utilising the grants to enhance their online presence, attract more customers, and boost sales.
Hard Rock Sokehs in FSM launched an e-commerce website, tripling its sales since September 2024. In Tuvalu, Talofa Studios and Malekula Island Organic in Vanuatu developed e-commerce focused business plans and began their implementation. Talofa Studios, in particular, leveraged the support to enhance product quality and improve internet connectivity, significantly boosting customer engagement.
O-Tahiti Pearls in Samoa undertook a full-scale marketing and branding upgrade, producing high-quality photographic and video content for its social media platforms. As a result, the business reported a 20% increase in online sales, attributing the growth to its enhanced marketing campaigns and promotional materials.
Tanny Island Sarong in Samoa and Hot Hula Fitness with Leony in Vanuatu expanded their product lines, increasing both sales and brand visibility. “Diversifying our products has helped us appeal to more customers and grow both locally and internationally,” said Elena Chan, owner of Tanny Island Sarong.
Hilltop Hotel in FSM and Laban’s Gift Shop in Tuvalu have successfully secured listings on global and regional marketplaces, including Booking.com and Siuhuu. Both businesses are also developing their own websites to further expand their reach and customer base.
The PIFS E-Biz Plus program is a demand-driven initiative available to Forum Island Countries. It is currently being implemented in Niue, Tonga and Vanuatu, with plans to expand to Kiribati in 2025. The program aims to empower businesses strengthening their online presence, enhancing customer engagement, and driving sales growth—contributing to the development of stronger, more competitive enterprises across the region.
