Building the Legal Foundations for Digital Payments in Tonga
Across the Pacific, digital financial services are rapidly transforming the way people send money, make payments, and access financial services. For Tonga, where remittances form a vital part of household income and economic activity, secure and reliable payment systems are essential. As digital payments grow in importance, countries must ensure their legal and regulatory frameworks keep pace with new technologies. Recognising this need, the PACER Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU) partnered with the National Reserve Bank of Tonga (NRBT) to support the development of the Tonga Payment Systems and Services Bill 2025. The initiative represents a significant step toward strengthening Tonga’s financial infrastructure and building the legal foundations needed to support a modern digital economy. Digital payment services are expanding across Tonga, creating new opportunities for financial inclusion and economic participation. In recent years, Tonga has seen growing use of electronic payments, mobile money services, and digital remittance platforms. These innovations create new opportunities for financial inclusion and economic participation. However, before this project began, Tonga did not have a comprehensive legal framework governing electronic payment systems and digital financial services. This gap created several challenges. While banks and licensed money transfer operators were subject to oversight, informal remittance channels and unregistered payment services operated with limited regulation. Existing legislation also did not adequately address emerging issues such as cybersecurity risks, data protection, and the interoperability of digital payment platforms. Without a modern regulatory framework, it was increasingly difficult for regulators to supervise payment service providers effectively and ensure consumer protection in an evolving financial landscape. To address these challenges, PACER Plus supported a technical consultancy to assist Tonga in developing a modern legal framework for electronic payment systems and services. “Developing a modern legal framework for payment systems is a key step toward strengthening Tonga’s digital economy and ensuring that financial innovation takes place within a safe and trusted environment.” The work began in April 2024 with a detailed assessment of Tonga’s payment ecosystem. This included legal analysis of existing legislation, institutional mapping of financial sector stakeholders, and a review of international best practices for payments regulation. The assessment also examined the country’s financial landscape, including the role of commercial banks, microfinance institutions, and the growing importance of digital financial services. Based on these findings, the project moved into a structured legislative drafting process that involved close collaboration with the National Reserve Bank of Tonga, the Ministry of Trade and Economic Development, and technical experts from the World Bank. These consultations ensured the draft legislation reflected both Tonga’s national priorities and internationally recognised standards for payment systems regulation. The resulting Payment Systems and Services Bill 2025 introduces a comprehensive framework for regulating digital payments and financial technology in Tonga. The proposed legislation establishes clear rules for the licensing and supervision of payment service providers, including fintech operators and electronic money issuers. It also introduces safeguards to protect consumers and strengthen the resilience of Tonga’s financial system. Key features of the bill include: Licensing requirements for payment service providers Regulation of electronic money issuance and redemption Consumer protection measures and dispute resolution mechanisms Cybersecurity and operational risk management standards Enhanced oversight powers for the National Reserve Bank of Tonga Together, these measures aim to ensure digital payment services operate safely, transparently, and in the interests of consumers. Digital financial services are expanding access to financial tools for individuals and businesses in Tonga. The legislation also supports innovation within Tonga’s financial sector. By introducing flexible regulatory mechanisms, such as the registration of low-risk fintech providers, the framework encourages the development of new financial technologies while maintaining appropriate oversight. This approach helps balance innovation with financial stability, allowing Tonga’s digital payments ecosystem to grow in a secure and inclusive manner. In April 2025, the final legislative package, including the draft bill, explanatory notes, and an implementation roadmap, was submitted to the National Reserve Bank of Tonga and the Ministry of Trade and Economic Development. Once enacted, the legislation will provide Tonga with the regulatory tools needed to oversee payment service providers, protect consumers, and support the continued development of digital financial services. -ENDS- More articles like this one
Strengthening Samoa’s Biosecurity Systems
Every day, ships and aircraft bring goods into Samoa from around the world. These shipments carry everything from food and agricultural products to machinery, construction materials, and consumer goods. While trade is essential for Samoa’s economy, it also brings risks. Invasive pests, plant diseases, and animal health threats can arrive at the country’s borders hidden within cargo, posing serious dangers to agriculture, ecosystems, and public health. For Samoa’s Biosecurity Division within the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, managing these risks is part of a complex daily operation. Officers inspect cargo, issue import permits, process quarantine certificates, and monitor compliance with international biosecurity standards. Behind these activities sits an important digital tool that has quietly supported this work for nearly two decades: the Samoa Quarantine Information Database, better known as the SQUID system. Today, with support from PACER Plus, Samoa is taking an important step toward modernising this system to ensure it continues protecting the country’s borders while facilitating safe and efficient trade. Inspections help prevent invasive pests and diseases from entering Samoa. The SQUID system was introduced in 2006 to help biosecurity officers manage quarantine processes and maintain records for imports, inspections, and certification. The system plays a crucial role in Samoa’s border management and supports the country’s obligations under international trade standards, including the World Trade Organisation’s Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Agreement. Through SQUID, officers record information about cargo arrivals, issue permits and certificates, and track inspections of goods entering Samoa. These processes help ensure that imported products comply with national regulations designed to prevent harmful pests and diseases from entering the country. Over the years, the system has become the technological backbone of Samoa’s biosecurity operations. However, like many long-standing systems, it has begun to show its age. Built using Microsoft Access 2007, the platform relies on software that is no longer supported by modern operating systems. This creates challenges for security, compatibility, and performance. The system also operates primarily from a single location, meaning biosecurity officers working at remote ports of entry often need to rely on manual processes before data can be entered into the central system. “The SQUID platform is a critical part of Samoa’s biosecurity system, helping ensure that goods entering the country meet quarantine standards and protect Samoa’s agriculture and environment.” These limitations not only slow down daily workflows but also highlight the need for a modern digital solution that can keep pace with Samoa’s evolving biosecurity requirements. Recognising the importance of strong biosecurity systems for safe trade, the PACER Plus Implementation Unit supported a comprehensive review of the SQUID platform. The review examined the system’s architecture, security, infrastructure, and operational workflows. It also assessed how the system could be modernised to better meet the needs of biosecurity officers and improve the efficiency of border processes. The findings confirmed that while the existing system continues to function, it requires significant upgrades to address cybersecurity vulnerabilities, outdated technologies, and operational inefficiencies. The review therefore recommended developing a modern web-based platform supported by secure cloud infrastructure. Such a system would allow biosecurity officers to access the platform from multiple devices and locations, while strengthening security and improving overall performance. Importantly, the new system would connect key biosecurity locations across Samoa, including Matautu Wharf, Faleolo International Airport, and Fagalii Airport, allowing officers to enter and access data in real time. 27% faster permit processing T43% faster certificate processingT1,150+ hours saved annuallyT Beyond improving system security, the new platform is expected to deliver tangible operational benefits. Currently, processing an import permit takes an average of around eleven minutes, while issuing a certificate requires approximately seven minutes. With a modernised digital system, these processes are expected to become significantly faster, reducing permit processing times to around eight minutes and certificate processing times to approximately four minutes. While these time savings may appear small on an individual transaction, they add up across hundreds of monthly processes. Overall, the improved system is projected to save more than 1,150 hours of staff time each year, allowing biosecurity officers to focus more on inspection and compliance activities that protect Samoa’s borders. The upgraded platform will also strengthen cybersecurity protections, introduce modern password and data security policies, and enable more reliable backup and recovery systems. Strong biosecurity systems play a vital role in protecting Samoa’s economy and environment. Agriculture remains an important part of Samoa’s livelihood and food security. At the same time, the country’s pristine natural environment and marine ecosystems underpin its tourism industry. Preventing the introduction of invasive pests and diseases is therefore critical to safeguarding these national assets. By improving the digital systems that support quarantine and inspection processes, PACER Plus is helping Samoa strengthen its capacity to manage these risks while ensuring trade continues to flow efficiently. ….. The modernisation of the SQUID system represents more than just a technology upgrade. It reflects a broader commitment to building stronger trade systems and modern regulatory infrastructure in the Pacific. With a secure and connected digital platform, Samoa’s biosecurity officers will be better equipped to monitor goods entering the country, respond to emerging threats, and meet international trade obligations. As trade continues to expand across the region, investments in systems like SQUID help ensure that Pacific economies can grow while protecting their unique environments and communities. Through targeted technical support such as this system review, PACER Plus continues to support Pacific Island countries in strengthening the institutions and infrastructure that underpin safe and sustainable trade. -ENDS- More articles like this one
Vanuatu graduate ventures into online business
PORT VILA, Vanuatu — A young entrepreneur from Vanuatu is redefining what employment can look like after university. Instead of seeking a traditional job, Rexta Abraham, an economics and business graduate from the University of the South Pacific, is building his own opportunities through online business, also thanks to what he learnt at the Training Workshop component of the Pacific Island Forum Secretariat’s (PIFS) E‑Biz program which was funded by the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations Plus or PACER Plus. From Sarete Village in Espiritu Santo, Rexta first came across the program through a Facebook advert and applied mostly out of curiosity. Though he was not new to business and entrepreneurship, the training opened his eye to something new: how e‑commerce can expand reach, reduce marketing costs, and help him find clients faster. When asked to share his testimony about the E-Biz training program, Rexta explained: “I had planned to start a business in Port Vila and import second-hand clothes to resell here. However, after taking the course, I discovered two things: first, the power of the internet when used correctly to create business opportunities; and second, how effective it is to reach customers through digital marketing without needing to leave my home.” Rexta Abraham Rexta Abraham is building his own opportunities through online business. Just a year after completing the course, Rexta has already set up two growing businesses: 1. Aelan Basket (under development) An online shopping platform designed to connect customers with key supermarkets in Vanuatu. It will also allow drop‑shipping from platforms such as Alibaba and Shein. Drop-shipping is a business model where you can sell products online without keeping any stock. When someone buys from you, you place the order with a supplier, and the supplier ships the item straight to the customer. The service is especially useful for seasonal workers abroad, giving them a simple way to shop for their families back home from abroad, cutting down on remittance misuse, saving time, and ensuring essential items reach households directly. 2. City Cars Vanuatu (operational via Facebook) An online marketplace for second‑hand vehicle set up in late 2025 and with already over 11,000 followers. Currently, it is operating on Facebook only. To date, the company has sold, on average, three vehicles per month. The business targets both domestic buyers and Ni‑Vanuatu living abroad who want a trusted seller for vehicles in country. Rexta Abraham has set up Aelan Basket, an online shopping platform designed to connect customers with key supermarkets in Vanuatu. Rexta is currently in discussion with the two telecommunication companies in Vanuatu to integrate both his business platforms with mobile payment solutions, namely M-Vatu (Vodafone) and MyCash (Digicel). Allowing customer payments via mobile wallet addresses two common barriers: the limited number of people in Vanuatu who own a Visa card and the lack of trust in buying goods online. By using familiar mobile wallets and having a physical presence in Vanuatu, he hopes to reduce perceived risks and increase consumer confidence to buying online. The PIFS E-Biz Plus program aims at supporting MSMEs in starting their business journey online, and Rexta’s experience is a powerful testament to what the program aims to positively impact. It demonstrates how digital skills can open new opportunities for youth, foster innovation and contribute to Vanuatu’s growing digital economy. The implementation of the PIFS E-Biz Plus program was kindly supported by the PACER Plus Implementation Unit. Story and images provided by PIFS E-Biz Plus Program More articles like this one
Built on the Lagoon, Bound for the World
Steering Kiribati’s Boatbuilding Industry into Global Markets, Tariff-free On a quiet stretch of shoreline in Kiribati, sleek catamarans take shape by hand. Molds are developed, sanded, sealed. Fibreglass is laid with care. What emerges from KiriCraft Central Pacific’s workshop is not mass-produced machinery, but finely crafted vessels designed for open water. For Michael Savins, Founder and CEO of KiriCraft Central Pacific, boatbuilding in Kiribati was never meant to be small or insular. From the beginning, his ambition was outward-looking: to prove that world-class marine manufacturing could come from a low-lying Pacific island nation better known internationally for its vulnerability to climate change than for high-end exports. “The quality was never the issue,” Savins says. “Our boats have always been built to a very high standard. The challenge was getting them into the market on equal footing.” That challenge, for years, partly came down to tariffs. KiriCraft Central Pacific is a high-quality boatbuilding factory in Kiribati. Before the breakthrough Before Kiribati ratified the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations Plus or the PACER Plus trade agreement, exporting KiriCraft’s handcrafted catamarans to Australia came at a cost. Every vessel entering the Australian market was subject to a five per cent import duty, an expense that quickly added up for a product as large and high-value as a boat. “It doesn’t sound like much on paper,” Savins explains. “But when you’re exporting catamarans, five per cent is significant. It affects your pricing, your competitiveness, and ultimately your business’s ability to grow.” In a competitive marine industry where buyers weigh quality against cost, that extra tariff often meant KiriCraft had to absorb losses or risk pricing itself out of the market. Then PACER Plus came into force. Tariff-free waters “Before PACER Plus, we were paying five per cent in tariffs on our exports to Australia. But since Kiribati ratified PACER Plus in 2020, we no longer pay any import duties in Australia,” Savins says. That single shift — tariff-free access — has had a cascading effect. Without the added cost of import duties, KiriCraft’s catamarans are now more competitive in Australia’s marine market. Pricing is clearer. Margins are healthier. And KiriCraft’s plans for growth are no longer speculative. “With tariff-free access to the Australian market, we can expand our operations, create more job opportunities, and drive economic growth in Kiribati.” Michael Savins, Founder and CEO of KiriCraft For Kiribati, a country with limited land, resources, and export pathways, those words carry weight. More than paperwork At the heart of this shift is PACER Plus’ Rules of Origin and Tariffs Component, often misunderstood as technical trade jargon, but in practice, deeply practical. Rules of Origin are the criteria that determine whether a product is genuinely made in a PACER Plus country and therefore eligible for preferential treatment, such as tariff-free entry. For KiriCraft, meeting these rules means demonstrating that their catamarans are substantially built in Kiribati, from skilled local labour to production processes. These rules do more than unlock tariff savings. They protect Pacific producers from unfair competition and ensure that the benefits of trade agreements flow to local industries. “For us, it validates the work we’re doing here,” Savins says. “We’re not just assembling parts. We’re building boats in Kiribati, employing local people, transferring skills, and creating something of lasting value.” PACER Plus’ tariff commitments then do the rest — removing import duties in Australia and New Zealand for qualifying Pacific goods. The result is a clear, predictable trading environment where Pacific businesses like KiriCraft can invest in confidence. KiriCraft employee works on a boat inside KiriCraft’s workshop. Jobs, skills, and pride Inside KiriCraft’s workshop, the benefits of tariff-free access are tangible. More orders mean more hands on deck. More hands mean more training, more apprenticeships, and more specialised skills staying in Kiribati rather than leaving it. Boatbuilding is not a short-term industry. It requires precision and experience. PACER Plus, by reducing barriers to export, helps create exactly that. “This isn’t just about selling boats,” Savins reflects. “It’s about building an industry. When we grow, our people grow with us.” That growth ripples outward. Wages circulate locally. Skills are passed on. Young i-Kiribati workers see pathways beyond subsistence or overseas migration. In a country often framed by external narratives of limitation, KiriCraft tells a different story, one of capability. A model for the Pacific KiriCraft’s experience highlights something often overlooked in discussion about trade agreements: PACER Plus is not designed to benefit only large economies or commodity exporters. It’s Rules of Origin and tariff commitments are especially powerful for niche, high-value Pacific industries — manufacturing, processing, and craftsmanship that rely on quality rather than volume. From boatbuilding in Kiribati to food processing, fisheries, and specialised manufacturing across the region, the principle is the same. When Pacific products can enter major markets without tariffs, they stand a fairer chance of success. “This agreement gives us certainty,” Savins says. “And certainty is everything when you’re building something long-term. We’re building something that lasts and PACER Plus has helped make that possible, not just for KiriCraft, but for Kiribati.” And for a small island nation surrounded by ocean, that is no small achievement. -ENDS- More articles like this one
Fair Beginnings, Strong Returns
Rethinking Reintegration in Pacific Labour Mobility The theme of this year’s Pacific Labour Mobility Annual Meeting (PLMAM), “Sustainable Reintegration Begins with Fair and Effective Recruitment”, raises an important question: what does reintegration really mean in the context of Pacific labour mobility? For seasonal workers in New Zealand’s Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme, time away is usually six months, after which they must return home for at least five months before being eligible to recruit for the RSE again. Unlike the nine-month PALM visas in Australia, there is no pathway to a longer-term stay from the RSE visa. On the face of it, reintegration after six months is not likely to be a major issue for recruits who work for one or two seasons. Only 40 percent of the 56,500 recruits for the RSE since 2007 have returned for three or more seasons. The picture changes when absences accumulate year after year. For workers who leave, say, Samoa for six months annually, repeating this cycle for four or more years, the rhythm of absence and return inevitably creates family and community challenges. Adjusting to life at home after repeated long absences is not always seamless. Social stresses, family expectations, and even rumours about workers’ behaviour abroad can complicate the return. This is why the theme of this year’s meeting is so timely. Reintegration is not just about coming home once — it’s about managing the long-term impacts of seasonal as well as long-term cyclical migration. Fair and effective recruitment lies at the heart of sustainable reintegration, writes the author. Shifts in Labour Mobility The broader labour mobility landscape in the Pacific has been transformed dramatically over the past decade, particularly in Australia. Until the introduction of the Seasonal Worker Programme, the forerunner to today’s Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, Pacific people had no dedicated migration channel into Australia’s workforce. The PALM scheme, particularly its long-term stream, marks a significant policy shift. For the first time in over a century, Australia opened long-term, low-skilled and semi-skilled labour pathways for Pacific people. This is a profound change, one that mirrors New Zealand’s longer history of engagement. Australia has invested heavily in staffing, administration, and support to make the scheme work both onshore and in labour sending countries. Meanwhile, New Zealand’s RSE scheme continues to provide opportunities, though demand there has plateaued. In recent years, the cap on RSE numbers has not been reached. Rising costs for employers, from compliance and accommodation to pastoral care, have curbed demand. In Samoa, for example, New Zealand approved employers now pay a fee per Samoan worker, and Samoan workers themselves also face new costs. These financial pressures, on both sides, are shaping the trajectory of recruitment. Recruitment, Fairness, and Reintegration Fair and effective recruitment lies at the heart of sustainable reintegration. Labour sending countries often want to distribute opportunities equitably, ensuring that benefits are shared across communities. Yet recruitment often happens through established relationships between employers and experienced workers, who are then asked to recommend new candidates. While this system provides continuity, it risks limiting access for those outside the existing networks. Governments in countries such as Samoa, Tonga, and Vanuatu have sought to centralise recruitment through Labour Sending Units (LSUs). But balancing fairness with employers’ preferences remains a challenge. The critical question is how to ensure that workers participate with a clear plan for their earnings — whether that is education costs, housing, or small business ventures — rather than treating seasonal work as a lifestyle of permanent dependency on cash incomes earned through temporary labour migration overseas. In New Zealand, where workers must always return home, reintegration planning is essential to ensure maximum benefit from short-term circular migration. In Australia, where transitions from short-term to long-term PALM visas are possible, the pressures on families can be even greater, with absences stretching to years. The challenges of reintegration are different in this context. For some families, temporary work overseas has become a primary livelihood strategy, even passed down across generations. While remittances are vital, this kind of dependency risks undermining local livelihoods in the long term. Reintegration is not just about coming home once, writes the author. It’s about managing the long-term impacts of seasonal as well as long-term cyclical migration. The Changing Labour Market Looking ahead, sustainability will depend on recognising shifts in global and regional labour markets. Technological change, particularly automation, is already reshaping demand. In New Zealand, for instance, pack houses that once employed large numbers of women are becoming increasingly automated, reducing the need for seasonal labour. Technology will continue to disrupt traditional roles. Consumer expectations are also evolving. Major international buyers of agricultural products are scrutinising labour conditions more closely. Questions around ethical recruitment, modern slavery, and cost-sharing practices are now influencing whether large companies choose to buy Australian and New Zealand produce. For example, comparisons are being made between the costs borne by temporary migrant workers in New Zealand versus those recruited in the United States, where employers are often required to cover transport fully. These perceptions matter and will affect the long-term viability of Pacific labour mobility schemes. Priorities for Sustainability To keep Pacific labour mobility successful and sustainable, several priorities stand out. First, costs must remain manageable for both approved employers and workers. If participation becomes too expensive, demand will decline, and workers will struggle to send meaningful remittances home. Second, labour sending countries must play a proactive role in promoting fair recruitment and supporting reintegration. This means ensuring access is broad-based and encouraging workers to have long-term financial plans for their earnings. It also means discouraging the pattern where families become wholly reliant on seasonal migration, which may not be viable in the long run. Finally, stakeholders must keep pace with global shifts, from technology to consumer standards. Ethical recruitment, decent working conditions, and transparency will increasingly be non-negotiable in global supply chains. If PALM and RSE schemes can stay ahead of these expectations, they will remain attractive to both approved employers and consumers. Returning
Cultivating More Than Crops in Samoa
The first rays of sunlight hit the taro fields of Lefaga village in Samoa, and 33-year-old Kent Onesemo is already at work. The morning air is alive with low hum of a brush cutter, the chatter of farmhands, and the occasional call of cattle grazing nearby. It’s a familiar routine for Kent, a father of six who has learned that farming, like life, demands patience, grit and vision. “I have a full-time job,” Kent says, wiping sweat from his brow. “But it wasn’t enough to support my family. I knew I had to do something more.” Kent Onesemo at his farm in Lefaga, Samoa. Four years ago, he turned to farming, planting taro and raising cattle on six acres of land. What began as a side effort to ease financial strain soon grew into something bigger. After two years of supplying Samoa’s local markets, Kent ventured into exports. His very first month abroad brought in WST$12,000 (AU$6,700). “It was exciting but overwhelming,” he admits. “The demand was there, but I couldn’t keep up with it.” Rather than risk burning out, Kent made the bold choice to pause exports while he focused on expanding and strengthening his farm. That expansion was given a boost in July 2025 when the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations Plus (PACER Plus), through the Samoa Farmers Association, provided over WST$89,000 (AU$50,000) worth of farming and processing equipment to local farmers. Kent was among the 1,000 beneficiaries. The support included taro chippers, multi-use grinders, tillers, ground drillers, brush cutters, and chainsaws — all tools that turned Kent’s ambitions into achievable plans. “The equipment from PACER Plus came just when I needed it most,” Kent says. “It has lifted the pressure and helped me prepare for the next stage of exports.” But Kent’s story isn’t just about farming. It’s also about redefining what it means to be a farmer in the Pacific. Under the name Samoan Farmer, Kent has carved out a space online where he documents his journey. His YouTube channel has almost 17,000 subscribers, with thousands more following him on Facebook and Instagram. His videos blend farm tutorials with moments of candid honesty. They’ve struck a chord so much so that six Samoans have launched their own farms after watching Kent’s content. “That’s the best part. Knowing my story is inspiring others to start their own.” Kent Onesemo After a hard day’s work at the farm, Kent Onesemo is ready to transport some of his produce to the local market. What began as a way to share knowledge has also grown into a business. With his video production skills, Kent has created commercials for local companies, bringing in more than WST$50,000 in revenue. His website, www.samoanfarmer.com, now sells branded merchandise. Still, Kent’s focus remains on the bigger picture: using his journey to encourage young Samoan and Pacific people to embrace technology as a tool for growth. “We’re great at using social media for fun, but not enough for building skills or learning about financial literacy,” he says. “I want young Samoans to have a vision for themselves. To step out of their comfort zones and take chances.” Of course, farming isn’t without its challenges. There are days when the work feels too heavy, the market too demanding, or the weather too unforgiving. “But that’s when I push harder,” Kent explains. “It’s like driving up a steep hill — you’ve got to press the accelerator a little more to get over the top. Once you’re there, the view makes it worth it.” For Kent, the view is more than financial stability. It’s the pride of seeing his children run through the taro rows, the satisfaction of exporting Samoan produce to the world, and the knowledge that he is building something that others can follow. “You can never do this alone,” he says. “It takes family, community, and support like PACER Plus to make it possible.” -ENDS- More articles like this one
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 woman-owned kava exporter in Santo to achieve the internationally recognised HACCP certification – a milestone that promises to open doors to global markets. For Sergine, the journey began with a simple frustration. “I used to source kava directly from farmers to resell locally, but I found myself constantly waiting for customers to pay,” she recalls. “I knew there had to be a better way.” That realisation led her to explore exporting – a path that required navigating complex regulations, building relationships with overseas buyers, and elevating her business to meet international standards. From Local Trade to Global Ambitions Determined to succeed, Sergine sought guidance from biosecurity officials to understand export requirements – everything from proper cleaning techniques to packaging standards. She also connected with families in New Caledonia who run nakamals (traditional kava bars), planting the seeds for future trade. “I wanted them to know my kava was different – premium quality, handled with care,” she says. Tahun Kava Exports Limited owner, Ms. Sergine Tahun (left), receives her HACCP Certificate from VCCI SANMA Provincial Officer, Ms. Candyce Simeon. But breaking into the industry wasn’t easy. “When I started, the market was tough. There was lots of competitors, few opportunities,” she admits. Yet, through persistence, Sergine refined her products, expanded her network, and gradually built trust with farmers in remote areas, where weather and logistics often disrupted supply chains. Her secret weapon? A dedicated farm manager, Govany Maleb, who bridges the gap between her and the predominantly male farming community. “He reassures them that even though a woman owns the business, I know what I’m doing,” Sergine laughs. Maleb doesn’t just collect kava – he supports farmers with nursery management and equipment, fostering loyalty in an industry where relationships are everything. The Balancing Act Running a business in a male-dominated field while raising a family hasn’t been simple. “As a wife and mother, there are days when it feels overwhelming,” Sergine confesses. Yet, her resolve never wavers. “I want to prove that women can thrive in this space – and that collaboration, not competition, is the way forward.” Kava farmers in Espiritu Santo. Running a business in a man-dominated industry comes with it’s challenges, says Sergine. “Even though a woman owns the business, I like to reassure the farmers that I know what I’m doing,” she laughs. Her perseverance paid off when PACER Plus, through the Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), supported her in securing Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) certification – a game-changer for her business.. “This certification means everything,” Sergine says. “Before, buyers didn’t know us. Now, the enquiries are pouring in.” Since November 2024, she’s sent samples to international buyers, with eight shipments already dispatched between December 2024 and February 2025. Mr. Alipate Tavo, Trade Adviser with the PACER Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU), emphasises the significance of Tahun Kava’s achievement. “Sergine’s success isn’t just about one business – it’s a testament to what Pacific women can accomplish with the right support. Her certification lifts the entire sector, showing that Vanuatu’s kava can compete globally.” A Message to Pacific Women: “Dream Boldly” Sergine’s advice to other women is simple but powerful: “Don’t let social or cultural limits stop you. If you want something, go for it. Yes, it’s hard, but if I can do it, so can you.” With her eyes set on expanding into new markets and diversifying her product range, Tahun Kava Exports is proof that tradition and innovation can blend as smoothly as the drink she sells. And for the farmers of Espiritu Santo, that’s something worth raising a shell to. -ENDS- More articles like this one
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 ago when she and her husband Kitiona first dreamed of creating soap from Samoan coconuts in their family kitchen. “We started with one simple question,” Sylvie recalls, her hands holding a bar of their signature frangipani-scented soap. “How can we share the true essence of Samoa with the world?” Today, that question has blossomed into a thriving business with eight varieties of artisan soaps, luxurious body oils, exfoliating scrubs, and their newest triumph — a premium facial care line launched in early 2024 with support from the PACER Plus Agreement. From Kitchen Experiments to International Shelves The journey wasn’t without its challenges. “Oh, we wanted to give up many times!” Sylvie laughs. Early batches didn’t set properly. Supply chains were unpredictable. Export regulations seemed impossible to navigate. But through perseverance and community support, what began as a cottage industry now supplies retailers across Samoa, Australia, New Zealand and beyond. Each product tells a distinctly Samoan story. The cocoa range pays homage to the islands’ national drink. The delicate frangipani line celebrates the flower Samoan women traditionally wear behind their ears. The moso’oi captures the islands’ signature fragrance. “What makes Mailelani special is that we’re not just making products — we’re preserving culture,” Sylvie explains. “When someone uses our cocoa body butter, we want them to feel connected to Samoa’s rich traditions.” Rooted in Community, Growing Through Trade The business model is as sustainable as their ingredients. Mailelani sources raw materials from rural villages across Samoa, creating economic opportunities while maintaining authentic island recipes. This community-focused approach caught the attention of the PACER Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU). “Mailelani represents exactly what PACER Plus was designed to support. By assisting with their packaging clearance costs, we’re helping a homegrown business scale up while maintaining its cultural integrity. Their success shows how regional trade agreements can empower Pacific entrepreneurs to compete globally without compromising local values.” Alipate Tavo, PPIU Trade Adviser For Sylvie, the PACER Plus support came at the perfect moment. “That new facial line was our dream for years, but the import costs for proper packaging seemed impossible. When PACER Plus stepped in, it was confirmation from God telling us to ‘keep going’.” The Sweet Smell of Success While setting up her products, Sylvie reflects on the unexpected rewards of their quarter-century journey. “The creativity we’ve discovered, the people we’ve met, the places our little soaps have traveled — it’s more than we ever imagined.” She gently places a newly wrapped moso’oi soap into a gift box, ready for its journey to a boutique in Auckland. “Every time someone opens one of our products, they’re experiencing a piece of Samoa. That makes every challenge worthwhile.” With their expanded product line and growing international presence, Mailelani Samoa Body Care continues to prove that traditional wisdom and modern entrepreneurship can create something truly beautiful. Or as Sylvie puts it: “We’re not just selling soap — we’re sharing alofa (love) from our islands to the world.” Mailelani Samoa Body Care products are available at select retailers in Samoa and online by clicking here. Did You Know? Mailelani means “from heaven” in Samoan. All products are made with sustainably sourced local ingredients. The business supports dozens of rural Samoan families through its supply chain. -ENDS- More articles like this one
Harvesting Hope: Rose Sosoe’s Journey from Honiara to Marlborough
Rose Sosoe had a simple dream: to provide a better life for her family. As a young mother in Honiara, Solomon Islands, she worked part-time at a local bakery, making ends meet but always hoping for more. With a five-year-old child depending on her, Rose yearned for an opportunity that would allow her to uplift her family’s standard of living. That opportunity came when her sister-in-law introduced her to the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme in New Zealand. This program, established in 2007, connects workers from Asia-Pacific countries with New Zealand’s horticulture and viticulture sectors, addressing labour shortages while offering workers a chance to earn a sustainable income. For Rose, it was a lifeline. “My sister-in-law spoke to me about the RSE scheme, and that got my interest. I knew this was what I wanted to do, so I applied,” Rose recalls in Pijin. Rose Sosoe (pictured) says that the income she earns allows her to send remittances back home, supporting her family and providing a better future for her child. Rose’s determination paid off when she secured a job working on vineyards in New Zealand’s largest wine-growing region, Marlborough. Her employer, Hortus, is a leader in ethical workforce solutions across several regions of New Zealand, focused on support both people and land. Despite her nerves about leaving home – she had never been outside Solomon Islands before – Rose was eager to seize the opportunity. In July 2022, she boarded a plane to New Zealand, ready to work hard for a brighter future. Two years later, Rose reflects on her journey with pride. “I joined Hortus in July 2022, and two years later, I’m grateful to still be part of the team and contributing to Hortus’ success. It’s been a wonderful journey, one that has allowed me to gain meaningful employment and learn new skills. I have also been able to support my now seven-year-old back home in Honiara,” Rose shared. Her experience working in New Zealand has been life changing. The income she earns allows her to send remittances back home, supporting her family and providing a better future for her child. But beyond the financial benefits, Rose has also gained a sense of empowerment and accomplishment. At Hortus, Rose is part of a diverse team, many of whom are also from Pacific nations. Mike Jay, General Manager of Hortus, speaks highly of Rose’s contribution and the value Pacific workers bring to the company. Rose is part of a diverse team at Hortus, a leader in ethical workforce solutions across several regions in New Zealand. “Rose is a valued part of our team, and her hard work embodies the commitment and resilience that Hortus prides itself on. Through the RSE scheme, we’ve been able to build lasting partnerships with skilled workers from Pacific nations, who bring dedication and an incredible work ethic. These relationships are vital – not just for meeting labour needs, but for creating a positive impact on both our business and the lives of the people involved. It’s a partnership that supports growth for everyone,” Jay said. Hortus is one of many New Zealand businesses that have embraced the RSE scheme, not just for the labour it provides but for the meaningful relationships it fosters between the workers and the company. For Rose and her colleagues, it’s more than just a job – it’s a stepping stone toward a better life. “Every day I wake up thankful for this opportunity,” Rose says with a smile. “I’ve learned so much, and I’ve seen how my hard work can make a difference for my family.” -ENDS- More articles like this one
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 takes less than 24 hours,” Ms. Sania Teisini, Director of Tuvalu’s Department of Revenue and Customs explained. ASYCUDA World has also enhanced transparency and accuracy, proving clear, detailed records of transactions. Implementing this system required legislative updates, which PACER Plus supported through national consultations. Additionally, PACER Plus supported customs staff training in the harmonised system and Rules of Origin, boosting their expertise and operational capacity. Aerial view of Tuvalu. With ASYCUDA World, Tuvalu has surpassed its revenue targets by nine percent, collecting AU$12 million in 2023. “PACER Plus has been immensely beneficial for Tuvalu and her people,” said Ms. Teisini. “It’s always a comfort to know that PACER Plus is always there.” -ENDS- More articles like this one