PINA

By Pita Ligaiula in Port Vila The geo-strategic competition intensifying in the Pacific region requires a reset in relationships that does not jeopardise diplomatic and political relations with friends and development partners, says Vanuatu's Economic Minister Johnny Kuanapo. Responding to a question from PACNEWS during a public lecture on "Reseting Blue Continent Economy", Kuanapo said resetting relationships is critically important...

Vanuatu, one of the world’s most climate vulnerable countries, has today submitted one of the world’s most ambitious nationally determined contribution (NDC) commitments to the Paris Agreement on climate change. At last year’s COP26 climate conference, the Glasgow Pact cover decision that mandates all countries to “revisit and strengthen” NDCs by the end of 2022. So far only 12 countries have...

By Pita Ligaiula in Port Vila A proposal to develop a regional climate finance strategy has been put forward to the Forum Economic Ministers Meeting (FEMM) for consideration and endorsement. Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat Climate Change Finance adviser, Exsley Taloiburi said the strategy would help the Pacific to structure and coordinate their efforts in how they engage and access global...

By Pita Ligaiula in Port Vila Pacific economies are still struggling to recover from the burdens brought forth by COVID19 and record positive economic growth, says Vanuatu’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishmael Kalsakau. In his remark at the opening of the Forum Economic Ministers Meeting (FEMM) in Port Vila, Kalsakau said the risk of climate change to island economies is threatening...

By Pita Ligaiula in Port Vila The critical role of the Ministry of Finance in the climate change agenda has been highlighted at the Forum Economic Officials Meeting (FEOM) this week. Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat Climate Change Finance adviser, Exsley Taloiburi says it's important to recognise that the Ministries of Finance and the Ministers of Finance, have a key role...

By Pita Ligaiula in Port Vila Forum Secretary General Henry Puna says geo-strategic competition is intensifying and playing out in our region and if not handled carefully, could easily create disunity and conflict among our people and communities. Puna made the statement at the opening of the Forum Economic Ministers Meeting (FEMM) currently underway in Port Vila, Vanuatu. Puna emphasised the...

By Pita Ligaiula in Port Vila There is a great need to upskill Pacific workers to enable them to enter the Australian market, according to Pacific Trade & Investment Commissioner to Australia, Caleb Jarvis. “In Australia, we need workers and Pacific countries are well placed to provide workers. “I think we need to upskill Pacific Islanders more to go and do...

The Legislative Assembly of Tonga Wednesday unseated three Cabinet Ministers and Members of Parliament, after they were unsuccessful in their appeals against bribery convictions in the lead up the November 2021 General Election. They are Poasi Tei (former Deputy Prime Minister/Tongatapu 6 People's Representative), Tatafu Moeaki (former Finance Minister/Tongatapu 4 Representative and Sangster Saulala (former Minister of Internal Affairs and...

By Pita Ligaiula in Port Vila With the high rise in fuel prices across the region due to the Russian war in Ukraine, the Pacific can be a leader in carbon trading. That's the view of Pacific Trade & Investment Commissioner to Australia, Caleb Jarvis who told journalists in Port Vila on the side-lines of the Forum Economic Ministers Meeting (FEMM)...

By Pita Ligaiula in Port Vila The Green Climate Fund (GCF) has submitted its application to become a technical observer at the Forum Economic Ministers Meeting (FEMM). This was revealed by Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat Climate Change Finance adviser, Exsley Taloiburi during a media briefing with regional journalists covering FEMM. "There are clear benefits of having key funding mechanisms such as...