Acting Secretary-General of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), Desna Solofa this week urged Forum Island Countries (FICs) to embrace investment opportunities from Japan as critical drivers for post-COVID economic recovery.
“The Pacific is open for business, and this partnership with Japan is a cornerstone for our shared future.” With trade, investment, and tourism high on the agenda, Solofa highlighted that this event is a “milestone in the post-COVID journey” for Forum Island Countries (FICs) seeking sustainable, resilient growth through Japanese partnerships.
The Forum Island Countries and Japan Regional Investment Seminar in Suva this week stems from Japan’s initiative, the US$1.07 million project titled “Economic Recovery through the Promotion of Trade, Investment, and Tourism in Forum Island Countries.”
Launched by the Government of Japan, the project aligns with Pacific Island Leaders’ vision for regional growth under the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific. According to Solofa, the event marks a tangible step forward for Pacific nations looking to boost their economies while fostering long-term resilience.
“This isn’t just about business matching; it’s about sustainable, transformative, and inclusive development for the Blue Pacific,” Solofa told attendees, who included representatives from 17 Japanese companies ready to explore investment across the Pacific.
“With the Pacific’s natural resources, cultural diversity, and commitment to sustainable development, the region is ripe for impact-driven investment, from renewable energy to niche tourism.”
The seminar zeroes in on four strategic goals: promoting tourism and exports to Japan, increasing Japanese investment in the Pacific, boosting exports, and establishing an online platform to connect stakeholders across the region.
According to Solofa, the business-matching forum is a critical step in unlocking these opportunities.
“Today’s discussions will lay the groundwork for meaningful, investor-ready projects that align with both economic goals and sustainable development principles.”
The 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent and the Pacific Roadmap for Economic Development frame investment as a key driver of resilient economic growth, and Solofa underscored the importance of foreign investment in propelling the region forward.
She pointed to several sectors ripe for Japanese interest, including digital transformation, infrastructure, and renewable energy.
Investment Promoting Agencies, Solofa added, will provide insights into investor-ready projects across these sectors.
“The Pacific’s doors are wide open, and we are committed to fostering a foreign investment environment that is sustainable, productive, and beneficial for our communities,” she said. “This event is about creating partnerships that will transform our economies.”
Solofa also focused on tourism as a critical area for Pacific-Japan cooperation.
She praised Japanese tourists’ enthusiasm for the Pacific’s scenic landscapes and unique cultural offerings and cited newly developed tourism brochures designed to draw even more Japanese visitors.
“Tourism has long been a bridge between Japan and the Pacific. We believe there’s huge potential to deepen these ties and promote the Pacific as a premier destination,” she added.
Solofa’s remarks extended beyond economic growth, touching on the Japanese-supported project “Promoting Business Development by Solving Social Issues in Pacific Island Countries.” Implemented by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry, the initiative aligns closely with PIF’s goals for inclusive growth that address social challenges.
“This initiative is not just about creating business opportunities; it’s about building businesses that solve social issues. It aligns directly with our shared vision for inclusive, transformative growth,” Solofa said.
Solofa also emphasised PIF’s commitment to enhancing ties between the Pacific and Japan. “What we need now is deeper collaboration, greater innovation, and a shared vision for a resilient future,” she said. “Together, we can build a vibrant Pacific economy that improves livelihoods and strengthens the kizuna—the bond—between our nations.”
“The Pacific is not just an investment destination; it’s a partner in progress, resilience, and growth. Let’s take this step forward together,” said Solofa.
