Chair of the 2026 Forum Economic Officials Meeting and Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Banking and Postal Services of Marshall Islands, Ayako Yamaguchi-Eliou, has called on regional officials to actively shape recommendations for Pacific finance ministers, saying the meeting will play a key role in preparing decisions on the region’s economic priorities.
Opening the 2026 Forum Economic Officials Meeting in Majuro on Monday, Yamaguchi-Eliou said the gathering provides officials with an opportunity to refine issues that will be presented to ministers when they meet over the next two days.
“Today’s meeting is particularly important as it provides officials with the opportunity to carefully consider and refine the issues that will be presented to our Ministers when they convene over the next two days,” she said.
She said the officials’ meeting serves as the principal preparatory forum for the Forum Economic Ministers Meeting (FEMM).
“As the principal preparatory forum for FEMM, our deliberations will help ensure that our Ministers are equipped with clear analysis, practical recommendations, and a shared understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing our region,” she told FEMM officials.
Yamaguchi-Eliou said regional cooperation remains central to achieving the Pacific’s development goals.
“As Pacific peoples, we share a deep understanding that our strength lies not only in our individual nations, but in our collective commitment to one another.
The matters before us today highlight the value of regional cooperation and collective action as we work towards our shared aspirations for a resilient, inclusive and prosperous Blue Pacific Continent,” Yamaguchi-Eliou.
She said the discussions would help shape the direction of the ministers’ meeting.
“The quality of our discussions today will help shape the direction of the Ministers’ meeting. Through constructive dialogue, informed analysis and the sharing of national experiences, we can identify areas of convergence, clarify policy considerations, and provide Ministers with a strong foundation for decision-making.”
Yamaguchi-Eliou encouraged officials to participate fully in the discussions.
“The perspectives, expertise and experiences represented around this table are invaluable and our efforts will contribute significantly to the success of the Forum Economic Ministers Meeting in the days ahead.”
She thanked participants for their commitment and participation and expressed confidence in a productive meeting.
