September saw European Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jozef Síkela, conclude a mission to Fiji, Vanuatu, and Papua New Guinea, highlighted by the first-ever EU-Pacific Business Forum in Nadi, Fiji. The Forum brought together policymakers, investors, and private sector leaders to explore trade and investment opportunities, showcase concrete projects, and build lasting business partnerships.
During the Forum, Commissioner Síkela announced a nearly €300 million EU-Pacific investment package supporting sustainable energy, climate resilience, modern infrastructure, water and sanitation, agriculture, and governance across the region.
The investment package will finance projects such as solar power plants in Papua New Guinea, climate-resilient agriculture in Vanuatu, improved water access in Samoa and PNG, and upgraded ports and bridges in the Solomon Islands and Kiribati. By focusing on tangible, long-term benefits, these initiatives aim to strengthen local economies, create jobs, and enhance the quality of life for communities across the Pacific.
The event will be held every two years, providing a regular platform for strengthening long-term economic ties between both regions.
Austrian participants include representatives from Andritz and Rosenbauer's local subsidiaries as well as the Austrian Ambassador to the Pacific, Elisabeth Kögler.
For more information on EU-Pacific initiatives and projects, visit the European Commission website below.
