The Australia Pacific Islands Business Council (APIBC) has reinforced its role as a key connector between Australian businesses and Pacific markets following a successful business mission to the North Pacific in March. Spanning Nauru, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and Guam, the mission concluded with engagements in Manila with the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
The APIBC delegation at the signing of the MoU with the Nauru Chamber of Commerce in Yaren.
In Nauru, APIBC facilitated the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nauru Chamber of Commerce, establishing a framework for ongoing collaboration and private sector engagement. The mission was marked by high-level meetings, including an engagement between APIBC President Simon Gorman and the President of Nauru, David Adeang, alongside discussions with senior government representatives, including the Minister for Foreign Affairs. Delegates also undertook site visits to critical infrastructure, including port, utilities and communications facilities, gaining first-hand insights into development priorities and investment opportunities.
In the Republic of the Marshall Islands, APIBC signed a further MoU with the Marshall Islands Chamber of Commerce, strengthening business linkages and supporting private sector development. The delegation participated in an investment seminar organised by the Office of Commerce, Investment and Tourism (OCIT) and engaged in B2B discussions with local businesses, contributing to a deeper understanding of the operating environment and emerging opportunities.
The delegation also met with Kalani Kaneko, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Tony Muller, Minister of Natural Resources and Commerce, and engaged with James Myazoe from the Project Management Unit (PMU). These discussions highlighted opportunities to strengthen collaboration across infrastructure development, natural resource management and private sector engagement in the Marshall Islands.
Guam marked another milestone, with APIBC formalising its partnership with the Guam Chamber of Commerce through an MoU. Engagements with organisations including the Guam Contractors Association, Guam Economic Development Authority and the Society of American Military Engineers focused on infrastructure pipelines, defence-related opportunities and private sector participation. Discussions also underscored Guam’s growing role as a regional hub for logistics, investment and service delivery.
The mission concluded in Manila, Philippines, with a series of high-level meetings at the Asian Development Bank. Discussions with senior leadership, including Scott Morris, Vice President (East and Southeast Asia, and the Pacific), and Director General Emma Veve, explored development priorities across the Pacific and the importance of private sector partnerships. Delegates also engaged with ADB’s Private Sector Financing and procurement teams, gaining practical insights into initiatives such as ADB Frontier and ADB Ventures, as well as pathways for Australian businesses to participate in ADB-funded projects.
Participant responses to the post-visit survey reflected a high level of satisfaction with the mission’s organisation and outcomes. Delegates noted the logistical complexity of travelling across remote North Pacific destinations and commended the APIBC Secretariat for delivering a well-coordinated program. Feedback highlighted the strong value of government engagements, site visits and ADB briefings, alongside meaningful commercial leads in sectors such as logistics, fisheries and niche exports. Several participants reported immediate business opportunities and follow-ups, while suggestions focused on allowing more time for industry-specific meetings.
The mission strengthened APIBC’s role in facilitating partnerships, connecting Australian businesses with regional opportunities, and supporting economic development across the North Pacific. With this mission, APIBC has now signed MoUs with chambers of commerce in all Pacific Island countries where its members operate.
