Enhancing Investment Promotion Capacities in the Pacific

23 Apr 2024

APIA, Samoa – The Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER) Plus continues to pave a pathway forward on inclusive and sustainable investment across its member countries. In line with this vision, the PACER Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU) successfully delivered a Pacific Regional Investment Promotion Toolkit Workshop in Apia, Samoa from 15-19 April 2024.

Participants of the five-day workshop included public and private sector officials from Cook Islands, Kiribati, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.

The workshop aimed to strengthen countries' capacities in attracting and retaining investments, fostering collaborative effort, and achieving results for PACER Plus Pacific members. Recognising the multifaceted nature of investment promotion, the workshop addressed diverse needs extending beyond traditional aftercare services. Bilateral consultations highlighted the necessity for a comprehensive toolkit covering various stages of the investment cycle, from strategy formulation to promotional material development.

Participants from Samoa and Tonga spoke to the value of the workshop.

Participants included public and private sector officials from Cook Islands, Kiribati, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu. The five-day workshop fostered interactive learning, featuring practical exercises, case studies, and simulations.

CEO of the Niue Chamber of Commerce, Catherine Etuata Papani, raises a point while participants from Samoa and Niue look on.

Reflecting on the workshop, Tauatia Tuimauga, Principal Investment Promotion Officer at Samoa's Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Labour, underscored its practical value.

"The workshop provided invaluable insights into enhancing Samoa's attractiveness to potential investors," said Ms. Tuimauga.

Raymond Vuti, CEO of Vanuatu Foreign Investment Promotion Agency, echoed similar sentiments, expressing optimism about improving investor confidence and stimulating investment in Vanuatu.

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