SUVA, 7 November 2024 — The Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) has successfully concluded three e-commerce training workshops held simultaneously in Tonga and Vanuatu on 6 and 7 November, and in Niue on 5 and 6 November. These workshops are crucial in helping small businesses in the Blue Pacific transition online, enhance their presence, increase sales and
expand their customer reach and fostering trade growth in the Blue Pacific.
Building on the success of earlier sessions conducted in the Federated States of Micronesia, Samoa, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu in early 2024, the recent workshops attracted over 70 entrepreneurs across the three countries. Participants not only gained valuable skills and insights for establishing an online business but also enjoyed meaningful interactions with trainers and fellow entrepreneurs. The training, designed by the private sector for the private sector, follows the PIF E-commerce Business Toolkits methodology, guiding participants stepby-step into the digital realm through information, case studies, examples and special guest insights, ensuring each session is practical, useful and easy to follow.
The resources for this training are drawn from the newly launched PIFS E-commerce Business Toolkits, tailored to various industries across the three nations: Niue focused its toolkits on the Digital Creative and Tourism, Tonga addressed the Kava, Food and Tourism, while Vanuatu updated its existing toolkits on Business Services, Kava and Tourism.
Lynette Tamata owner of Deve-leen Online Digital Hub in Vanuatu commented, "I’m thrilled with how much we’ve learned! We covered topics like web development requirements and generating QR codes for our businesses. It was insightful to explore both international best practices and case studies from Vanuatu. I only wish the course had been longer so we could
dive even deeper!"
Marc Gerard, project Team Leader, reflected on the transformative potential of digital entrepreneurship in the Pacific Islands, emphasizing the exciting prospects for businesses willing to embark on this journey despite the existing challenges.
The strong demand for the workshops highlights the increasing interest among Pacific entrepreneurs in the digital economy and e-commerce. To accommodate those unable to attend in person, an online option was made available, ensuring everyone had the opportunity to participate. This enthusiasm reflects the immense potential within the region and the ongoing need for support in developing digital skills. It aligns seamlessly with the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent and the Pacific Regional E-commerce Strategy.
Zarak Khan, PIF Director of Programmes and Initiatives, emphasised the significance of the workshop's success, noting the enthusiastic response and growing demand for e-commerce training across the region. "Together with our partners, we are implementing these pivotal workshops to empower entrepreneurs in a vibrant digital landscape. The strong engagement
and positive responses from the business community highlight our steadfast dedication to cultivating a thriving digital economy in our Blue Pacific. We take pride in collaborating with partners, in this case PACER Plus Implementation Unit, to deliver these initiatives, and advancing our 2050 Strategy goals, particularly in Technology and Connectivity”, Khan stated.
These PIF E-commerce training workshops are part of the PIF E-Biz Plus program and are designed to enhance the digital capabilities of Pacific businesses, helping them boost sales, expand their market reach, and compete globally. The program extended to Niue, Tonga and Vanuatu are delivered by PIF and supported by the PACER Plus Implementation Unit. The workshops and toolkits also benefitted from professional support provided by the Commonwealth Secretariat, all within the framework of the Pacific E-commerce Initiative and the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.
