The European Union officially launched the first-ever EU-Pacific Business Forum in Nadi, Fiji, with senior leaders promising deeper cooperation, concrete investments, and stronger ties under the Global Gateway strategy.
“It is with great pleasure that I welcome you all here today to inaugurate the first-ever EU-Pacific Business Forum,” said Peteris Ustubs, Director for Asia and the Pacific at the Directorate-General of International Partnerships, opening the landmark event. “This Business Forum was promised by former Commissioner Jutta Urpilainen on the occasion of her visit to the Pacific one year ago. And I am delighted that we were able to deliver on this promise and to come together today.”
Held under the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, the forum aims to connect European and Pacific business leaders across sectors including energy, infrastructure, aquaculture, and digital development.
“The European Union is now implementing an ambitious international investment agenda called Global Gateway aiming at bringing opportunities for investments and development in major necessary infrastructures to partner countries and businesses,” Ustubs stated.
With over 330 participants from across the region and Europe, Ustubs highlighted the commitment shown by attendees who traveled “several hours, if not days, and crossed multiple borders” to be in Nadi.
“This commitment mirrors the essence of our Business Forum: it’s about connecting people, companies, ideas, and opportunities, and achieving impactful and fruitful deals and collaborations.”
The forum is not only a platform for EU-Pacific cooperation but also aims to boost intra-Pacific collaboration. “This forum is dedicated to fostering investment, trade, and cooperation not only between Europe and the Pacific but also within the Pacific itself.”
The event features panels and exchanges on a wide range of business issues. Ustubs noted that “the agenda before us is rich and varied, with panels, sessions, and exchanges covering a wide array of business topics, from energy to infrastructure, from aquaculture to digital, and more.”
Delegates also have access to an exhibit area showcasing EU-funded projects and business initiatives in the Pacific.
On day two, European Commissioner for International Partnerships Josef Sikela is expected to announce the first results of the EU’s Global Gateway rollout in the region and outline new cooperation measures.
“Our greatest aspiration for this forum is that each of us departs with valuable connections and concrete opportunities,” Ustubs said.
He extended thanks to Fiji and its leadership: “Before concluding, I must offer a heartfelt thank you to the people of Fiji, and deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica, for their warm welcome and hosting us all at the first EU-Pacific Business Forum.”
The forum also welcomed high-level figures including the Presidents of Palau and French Polynesia, the Secretary General of the Pacific Island Forum Baron Waqa, ministers from across the Pacific, and ambassadors from EU Member States.
“The EU is a reliable partner, and we want to sustain and even deepen this special relationship that we have with the Pacific,” Ustubs concluded. “Together, let us embrace the opportunities this forum presents and work towards a prosperous future for the Pacific and Europe.”
