Photo: 123rf
American Samoa - mining
Leaders in the American Samoa government have expressed their opposition to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management's proposed commercial leasing of the territory's exclusive economic zone.
They said this was in line with the express will of the people and the protection of American Samoa's natural resources.
The American Samoa Government's moratorium on sea bed mininghas not been repealed, and therefore, remains in full force and effect.
A participant from Vanuatu wearing a T-shirt that says 'Labour Mobility is a Family Journey' during the UNICEF Labour Mobility Conference on the 16th and 17th of July 2024 at Ramada, Port Vila. Photo: UNICEF / Bobby Shing
Pacific - labour mobility
The countries in the Paciifc Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER) Plus trade agreement are meeting to address the negative social impacts of Pacific labour mobility.
The PACER Plus labour mobility arrangement aims to strengthen labour mobility cooperation by promoting good practices and enabling mutually beneficial policies.
An earlier review found some workers face difficulties such as poor accommodation, high migration costs, and limited understanding of their rights and responsibilities while abroad.
It also found that employers and systems in Australia and New Zealand are sometimes not well-equipped to understand or respond to the specific needs and cultural values of Pacific workers.
Fiji - MSG
Fijian prime minister Sitiveni Rabuka reaffirmed regional unity at the end of the Melanesian Spearhead Group leaders summit in Suva on Monday night.
A government statement said Rabuka, now the chairman of the group, described Melanesia as an immensely strong family.
The Prime Minister said the one-day summit reinforced shared values of sovereignty, solidarity and sustainable development.
Critical issues were discussed, including regional security and economic cooperation, climate resilience and cultural preservation.
Pacific - flights
Air New Zealand has announced 25,000 new seats on flights to Pacific Islands this summer.
Flights to Rarotonga, Nadi, and Papeete are set to get a boost.
Also, almost 7000 seats to Noumea are being added as the airline resumes flights to New Caledonia from November after last year's deadly riots.
Air New Zealand said the deployment of more widebody aircraft enables them to respond to strong demand.
Papua New Guinea - coffee
There is a growing interest in Papua New Guinea coffee from Chinese investors.
Representatives from Pacific Trade Invest (PTI) China have just been in PNG on a 12-day visit, with a keen interest in coffee.
Local media reported importers and distributors conducted on-site inspections at plantations and factories in Port Moresby, Goroka and Mount Hagen.
