The Australian arm of the UK Government’s Pacific Business Club was launched last month – a timely and strategic initiative designed to support the development of Pacific Island Countries by leveraging the strength and experience of UK-headquartered companies.
Originally announced by UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer during his attendance at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa in 2024, the Pacific Business Club aims to position British companies as long-term partners in the Pacific – connecting capability with opportunity in a region of immense strategic and economic value.
UK-headquartered firms include some of the world’s most respected and recognisable brands, many of which have built deep roots in Australia – employing local talent, growing industries, and contributing to national prosperity. The Pacific Business Club is a natural extension of that legacy, creating a platform for these companies to support sustainable development across the Blue Pacific.
Importantly, the launch of the Club in Australia reflects not only commercial interests but also a shared regional responsibility. Both the UK and Australia are committed to supporting Pacific nations as responsible international players. In a LinkedIn post to announce the launch, Mark Donovan, Trade & Investment Sector Lead (Infrastructure) at the UK Government’s Department for Business and Trade said the effort had been greatly strengthened by close collaboration with the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade), Trade and Investment Queensland and the Australia Pacific Islands Business Council (APIBC).
The Pacific Business Club provides UK companies with a practical entry point to a market that is rich with opportunity yet often challenging to navigate. From infrastructure and health to clean energy and digital transformation, the Club will connect business leaders with Pacific governments, development agencies and commercial partners.
It also positions UK firms to bid for an estimated £5 billion in regional development contracts backed by multilateral development banks — providing real commercial opportunity with long-term impact.
