Investment pitch at US-Pacific Summit
Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown led a delegation to the Pacific Agenda: Investment, Security and Shared Prosperity Summit in Honolulu in February, positioning the Cook Islands as an active player in regional capital flows. The summit brought together Pacific leaders, US officials and private investors to examine infrastructure, energy, digital connectivity and resource opportunities across the Blue Pacific. Brown used the platform to promote the Cook Islands’ priorities in climate-resilient infrastructure, renewable energy and critical minerals exploration.
Government statements noted that the country is seeking to translate strategic dialogue into concrete private investment partnerships, particularly in sectors that diversify beyond tourism. Officials emphasised a “people-centred” investment approach that aligns commercial opportunity with environmental safeguards and long-term economic resilience.
Cook Islands-US Critical Minerals Framework draws investor attention
The Cook Islands signed a non-binding framework with the United States in February aimed at strengthening cooperation on critical minerals research and supply chains. While the agreement does not commit either party to specific extraction projects, it is widely seen as laying groundwork for potential future investment discussions in seabed minerals and associated downstream industries.
The move has generated both commercial interest and public debate. Supporters argue it positions the Cook Islands within emerging global supply chains for strategic minerals, while critics urge careful regulatory oversight given environmental uncertainties. For policymakers, the challenge will be balancing investor engagement with transparent governance and community confidence.
Former PM highlights economic leverage from regional leadership
Former Prime Minister Henry Puna has pointed to opportunities for the Cook Islands to leverage its enhanced regional leadership profile into stronger trade and business linkages. Speaking in regional media in February, Puna suggested that high-level representation in Pacific institutions can translate into increased diplomatic access and commercial visibility.
Analysts note that for a small island economy, influence within regional architecture can open doors to investment conversations, development finance and trade cooperation. The strategic use of regional platforms is increasingly viewed as part of the Cook Islands’ broader economic diplomacy toolkit.
Participation in IEPA Trade Committee talks
Officials from the Cook Islands joined the 11th Interim Economic Partnership Agreement Trade Committee meeting in February, reinforcing the country’s engagement in formal trade frameworks with European partners. The discussions focused on implementation issues, compliance standards and opportunities to expand exports under preferential access arrangements.
Participation in the IEPA process is seen as essential for maintaining market access for fisheries and niche agricultural exports. By staying actively involved in technical trade discussions, the Cook Islands aims to safeguard existing export pathways while exploring diversification into higher-value products.
