New Biosecurity Equipment to Support Tonga’s Trade and Food Safety Systems
NUKU’ALOFA, Tonga – Tonga’s ability to protect its people, environment, and trade is set to strengthen with the official handover of vital biosecurity and quarantine equipment funded by the PACER Plus trade agreement’s Development and Economic Cooperation (DEC) Work Program. The new tools — valued at AU$185,350 or TOP$288,003 — are designed to enhance Tonga’s […]
The Woman Behind Vanuatu’s First Certified Kava Export
PORT VILA, Vanuatu – In the highlands of Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu’s largest island, where kava farming has long been a man’s world, Sergine Tahun is rewriting the rules. The determined entrepreneur behind Tahun Kava Exports Limited has not only carved out a space for herself in a competitive industry but has also become the first […]
Bottling the Fragrance of Samoa
How Mailelani is Turning Coconuts into Global Success The sweet scent of moso’oi (ylang-ylang) and rich cocoa butter hangs in the air as Sylvie Salanoa carefully inspects a fresh batch of coconut oil soap at her Mailelani Samoa Body Care gift shop outside Apia, Samoa. It’s a far cry from the humble beginnings 25 years […]
Customs officers upskill to improve cross border e-commerce
NADI, Fiji – Customs officials from 16 Pacific countries are gathering in Nadi, Fiji this week for a five-day workshop (17-21 March) to understand the World Customs Organisation (WCO) tools and initiatives aimed at facilitating and securing cross-border e-commerce. The workshop, co-hosted by the Oceania Customs Organisation (OCO) and the PACER Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU), […]
Tonga develops a Tourism Roadmap to revitalise and regenerate tourism development
NUKU’ALOFA, Tonga – Tourism is a pivotal industry for Tonga generating over TOP18million of GDP in 2022 and is anticipated to grow to TOP88 million by 2033. The industry, however, has been severely affected firstly by the COVID-19 pandemic and then by the volcanic eruption and tsunami in 2022. The country is committed to revitalising […]
PPIU Contributes to CHOGM 2024 in Samoa
The PACER Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU) played a role in promoting trade and economic growth across the Pacific at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2024, held in Apia, Samoa from 21-26 October. Mr. Roy Lagolago, Head of the PPIU, spoke at the Commonwealth Business Forum, a CHOGM side event, delivering insights on the […]
Tuvalu customs transformation success
Tuvalu has made significant strides in improving its customs processes with the support of PACER Plus. With the introduction of the ASYCUDA World system, Tuvalu has transformed how it manages customs. Ms. Sania Teisini (middle), Director of Tuvalu’s Department of Revenue and Customs. “What used to take days to assess and clear customs entries now […]
Overcoming Barriers: PB Agrifood is making small changes for a big difference
After just two months in Australia, Jimmy from Solomon Islands earned a reputation as one of PB Agrifood’s most productive and enthusiastic workers. While Jimmy has a hearing impairment, with no ability to hear in one ear and only partial hearing in the other, this has not been a barrier to his employment. With the […]
Vanuatu’s Cacao Revolution
What started as a passion project to highlight Vanuatu’s rich cacao heritage has transformed into a thriving business for Gaston Chocolat exporting award-winning chocolate to Australia and New Zealand. But behind the success of Gaston Chocolat is a story of hard work, dedication, and the support provided by PACER Plus. Founded by Olivier Gaston, Gaston […]
From Cacao Beans to Fruity Bars
Cathliro Commodities, a women-led, locally owned cocoa producer and exporter in Solomon Islands, has taken a significant step forward in its operations with the recent handover of a food dehydrator machine. The equipment, officially delivered in September 2024 and funded by the PACER Plus Development and Economic Cooperation (DEC) Work Programme, is set to enhance […]
