RELEASE: Tuvalu welcomes the Launch of PIFS E-commerce Toolkits to facilitate Businesses Online Transition
Media Releases and News
06 May 2024
May 6, Funafuti, TUVALU- The Government of Tuvalu is delighted to announce the launch of the Pacific Islands Forum’s (PIF) E-commerce Business Toolkits set to drive digital innovation in their business landscape. Specifically tailored for the tourism and general merchandise sectors, these toolkits mark a significant step towards enabling digital transformation for the private sector in Tuvalu.
Falaoa Sione, Director of Trade from the Government of Tuvalu, welcomed the new toolkits and the benefits for E-commerce. "Our Trade Policy Framework is inclusive and places the Private Sector at its core. The E-commerce Business Toolkits will assist micro and small businesses in leveraging online opportunities to enhance visibility, expand their customer base and increase sales. It is a product developed by Tuvaluans for Tuvaluans and perfectly aligns with our framework in the way it contributes to digital trade and growth.”
Developed in close collaboration with the Tuvalu private sector, the toolkits provide simple guidance in setting up an online business presence by addressing key topics such as payment solutions, digital marketing and E-commerce logistics, and regulations. Developed by a team of national and international experts, the toolkits gather information on doing business online in a given country gathering information and knowledge that may require significant time and effort to a small or micro enterprise. They also draw case studies of Tuvalu companies already doing business online, highlighting stakes and challenges and promoting inspiration.
PIF Director of Programmes and Initiatives, Zarak Khan said the partnership with Tuvalu stems from the PIF E-Biz Plus Program, an initiative which has led to the development of 12 toolkits in the last three years. “Experience is telling us that simple products are most effective, but we do not stop here: we stand alongside the business community throughout their online journey with training workshops, coaching and grant schemes and access to an online Community of Practice for continuous support. Our work is demand driven, and following this successful collaboration with Tuvalu, we hope to expand to other Forum Island countries that may need it,” he said.
The development of toolkits implements Measure 6.2.1 of the Pacific Regional E-commerce Strategy and Roadmap, which was endorsed by Forum Trade Ministers in August 2021. Apart from Tuvalu, the Forum has also developed regional toolkits and national toolkits for the Federated States of Micronesia, Samoa, and Vanuatu, with work starting soon in Niue and Tonga.
