This report is condensed from an interview with Nada Choueiri, Deputy Director of the IMF’s Asia and Pacific Department, Washington DC by PACNEWS Senior Journalist Pita...
Pacific economies face compounding global challenges: IMF official
read more
2025
CBA to replace Bendigo Bank in Nauru
Nauru is preparing to transition its government banking services from the Bendigo Bank Agency to a new service provider—the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA)—with...
Uncertainty grows around Vanuatu’s Airbus payment
Concerns are mounting over the fate of a VT2 billion (US$16.5 million) deposit made by the Vanuatu Government in 2019 for Airbus aircraft that have yet to be delivered....
Tuvalu embraces digital banking with ATMs
In April 2025, Tuvalu marked a significant milestone in its financial history by unveiling its first-ever Automated Teller Machines (ATMs). This development signifies a...
Palau battles crime, corruption and geopolitics
Palau, an island nation of approximately 17,000 residents, has emerged as a focal point in the geopolitical contest between the United States and China. The U.S....
Australia, Vanuatu strengthen economic ties at 7AVBF
The 7th Australia Vanuatu Business Forum, held from 12–13 March 2025 at the Warwick Le Lagon Hotel, marked a significant advancement in bilateral economic relations....
Pacific Island nations confront trade shock from U.S. tariffs
The Trump administration’s sweeping imposition of new tariffs on a wide range of imports has triggered a global economic shake-up — and small Pacific Island nations are...
UK’s Pacific Business Club launches in Australia
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...
East Micronesia cable project reaches key milestone
The East Micronesia Cable (EMC) project has reached a major implementation milestone, with the first of four cable landing stations installed in Pohnpei, Federated...
Australia reallocates aid to Indo-Pacific amid global shifts
Australia is stepping up its aid commitments to the Indo-Pacific region, redirecting resources and reshaping its development strategy in response to significant cuts in...
Urgent water security measures for island nations urged
Pacific Island nations such as Kiribati are being urged to adopt immediate and robust water security strategies as rising sea levels place increasing stress on fragile...
Cook Islands-China seabed mining deal prompts concerns
The Cook Islands’ recent partnership with China for the exploration of seabed minerals has sparked debate both at home and abroad, as environmental groups and regional...