Suva, Fiji – 24 April 2025 — The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) successfully convened the second meeting of the Pacific E-commerce Private Sector Sub-committee on 23 April 2025. The meeting brought together representatives from 12 Forum Island Countries, regional stakeholders, and development partners to reflect on progress and drive forward the Pacific’s digital commerce agenda.
In her opening remarks, PIFS 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.
The meeting featured a progress update on the implementation of the Pacific Regional E-commerce Strategy and Roadmap, which now records over USD 152 million in committed partner support and growing engagement across all priority areas. Participants also learned more about the expansion of the PIFS E-Biz Plus program, which has already supported over 200 MSMEs in the Federated States of Micronesia, Niue, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.
Highlighting the practical impact of these efforts, private sector representatives from Samoa and FSM, O’Tahiti Pearls and Hard Rock Sokehs, shared how tailored coaching and grants under the program helped them strengthen their e-commerce operations and reach wider markets.
A key outcome of the meeting was the presentation of the 2025 private sector survey results. The findings revealed a strong call for improved trade logistics, simplified digital payment systems, and better access to capital, all areas that will inform future collaboration and program delivery.
Sub-committee Chair, Mr Howard Politini, underscored the critical role of the private sector in both shaping and implementing the regional strategy. “We are not just beneficiaries—we are implementers,” he said, calling for continued coordination and resource mobilisation to support Pacific entrepreneurs.
The Sub-committee agreed to present the outcomes of this meeting to the Pacific E-commerce Committee in May 2025 and confirmed its next meeting for early 2026.
For more information on the Pacific E-commerce Initiative, please visit www.forumsec.org or the Pacific E-commerce Portal www.pacificecommerce.org.
