AGP Executive Report

Tourism data for Vanuatu: The Pacific Tourism Organisation and the Vanuatu Tourism Office released Vanuatu’s 2025 International Visitor Survey results, showing strong demand driven by culture, nature and adventure, with 54% of visitors being first-timers and 647 responses analysed under the Pacific Tourism Data Initiative. Regional ocean conservation: Papua New Guinea announced the Western Manus Marine Protected Area, a proposed 214,000 sq km no-take sanctuary aimed at protecting biodiversity and supporting long-term fisheries, linked to the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves involving PNG, Vanuatu and Fiji. Pacific business and resilience finance: The Global Environment Facility (GEF) outlined its transition into the next funding cycle, with GEF-9 set for a sharper focus on impact, speed and scale as the Eighth Assembly begins. Pacific media capacity-building: PNG’s National Broadcasting Corporation is hosting the 16th Pacific Media Partnership Conference in Port Moresby on “Resilient Voices,” with leaders discussing how broadcasters can strengthen storytelling amid digital disruption and misinformation. Insurance market move in the Pacific: Fiji’s Capital Insurance rebranded and launched as TISA Insurance (Fiji) Ltd, signalling a new chapter for the insurer’s regional growth and resilience focus. Trade and energy risk watch: UNCTAD warned that Strait of Hormuz disruptions could sharply raise oil import bills for vulnerable economies, with small island states among those most exposed.

Retail & Trade: Bunnings has launched a fully operational direct-to-consumer e-commerce push for Fiji, with bunningspacific.com.fj selling 20,000-plus products from Australian distribution centres and pricing designed to avoid surprise fees at checkout. Security & Diplomacy: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale says he will review a secretive 2022 security pact with China, after admitting he only saw the agreement days before visiting Australia, while Australia and Solomon Islands also move to “elevate” ties via a new comprehensive treaty and boosted police co-operation, alongside a reported $35m support package. Tourism Data: Vanuatu’s tourism performance is highlighted in a Pacific Tourism Organisation survey update for 2025, with SPTO and Vanuatu Tourism Office using the Pacific Tourism Data Initiative to guide investment and planning. Energy Costs for Small States: UNCTAD warns Strait of Hormuz disruptions could sharply raise oil import bills for vulnerable economies, with small island developing states among the most exposed. Media & Business Resilience: Pacific broadcasters and media leaders meet in Port Moresby to tackle digital disruption and newsroom sustainability, including how Vanuatu’s public broadcaster is reshaping budgets and plans for rural audiences. Insurance (Pacific Market): TISA Insurance officially rebrands and launches in Fiji as TISA Insurance (Fiji) Ltd, signalling a new chapter for the group across the Pacific.

Vanuatu Tourism Data: The Pacific Tourism Organisation and Vanuatu Tourism Office released Vanuatu’s 2025 International Visitor Survey results, using Pacific Tourism Data Initiative support to guide investment and planning, with 647 responses and a strong first-time visitor share. Pacific Media & Business Resilience: Papua New Guinea’s NBC and regional partners are convening the Pacific Media Partnership Conference in Port Moresby, with Vanuatu’s broadcaster also flagging the cost and staffing strain of shifting from traditional reporting to digital-first operations. Regional Security & Trade Links: Solomon Islands’ new PM Matthew Wale says he will review the 2022 secretive security pact with China, while Australia and Solomon Islands also move toward a “comprehensive treaty” and expanded police cooperation—an issue that can reshape aid, business confidence, and cross-border risk. Energy Cost Shock for Small Islands: UNCTAD warns Strait of Hormuz disruptions could lift oil import bills for vulnerable economies by $20.4bn a year, pushing fuel inflation and squeezing public budgets—directly relevant for Pacific island importers like Vanuatu. Local Tourism Performance: SPTO’s Niue-focused visitor survey update highlights how Pacific destinations track visitor preferences and spending to stay competitive.

Tourism Watch: Vanuatu’s 2025 International Visitor Survey shows strong performance, with 647 valid responses and a clear pull from culture, nature and adventure—useful for guiding investment and product planning. Regional Media & Digital Resilience: PNG’s National Broadcasting Corporation is hosting the 16th Pacific Media Partnership Conference in Port Moresby, focusing on safer, stronger journalism and how Pacific broadcasters can collaborate on storytelling. Pacific Finance & Risk: UNCTAD warns that Strait of Hormuz disruptions could hit vulnerable economies hardest, raising oil import bills and fuel inflation—an issue for small island states exposed to energy shocks. Trade, Security & Infrastructure: Commentaries highlight how Australia–Japan economic security cooperation and Quad-style port and cable initiatives are reshaping Indo-Pacific connectivity priorities, with money laundering capacity-building also on the agenda. Governance & Climate Pressure: A UN-backed push affirms countries’ climate duties, likely feeding future legal fights—relevant for Vanuatu’s climate-risk planning. Local Business Environment: A global roundup notes Vanuatu is among places without annual property tax, though other fees and taxes may still apply.

Tourism & Data: Vanuatu’s 2025 International Visitor Survey shows strong performance, with 647 valid responses and findings pointing to cultural connection, natural beauty and adventure as key drivers of visitor satisfaction. Pacific Finance: A new Sustainable Pacific Blue Circle Fund was launched in Suva to help micro, small and medium enterprises in Vanuatu and other Pacific states access finance, especially for the blue economy, green economy and climate resilience. Regional Security & Trade: PNG PM James Marape says Lombrum will not be treated as a foreign military base as Australia expands its presence, stressing PNG sovereignty—an issue with direct knock-on effects for regional business confidence and trade ties. Customs & Borders: Pacific customs leaders meet in Nadi to scale up cooperation against drug trafficking, organised crime and illicit financial flows, with border security framed as essential to protecting and growing Pasifika communities. Shipping Risk: Black Sea drone attacks again hit vessels using Vanuatu flags, underlining ongoing risks for maritime trade routes that can affect freight costs and insurance. Insurance Rebrand: TISA Insurance (Fiji) Ltd officially launched under a unified Pacific identity, signalling renewed push for insurance services across the region.

Pacific Finance Boost: The EU, UNCDF and UNDP launched the Sustainable Pacific Blue Circle Fund in Suva to help micro, small and medium enterprises in Fiji, PNG, Samoa, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu—especially in the blue economy, green economy and climate resilience—tackling the region’s biggest bottleneck: access to finance. Maritime Security & Trade Risk: Ukraine says Russian drones hit the Vanuatu-flagged cargo ship ANT en route from Odesa to Turkey, injuring two crew and damaging the vessel; Turkey warned against “uncontrolled escalation” as similar drone attacks targeted other ships in the Black Sea corridor. Indo-Pacific Infrastructure Push: India, Japan, Australia and the US (Quad) announced plans to jointly develop port infrastructure in Fiji, with Suva and Lautoka flagged for early work—tying trade and connectivity to wider strategic competition. Regional Aid Delivery: India’s EAM S Jaishankar marked Samoa’s Independence Day with an update that India delivered a haemo-dialysis machine with a portable RO unit under FIPIC-III commitments. Climate Legal Pressure: A UN-backed ICJ climate ruling was affirmed by most UN members, setting up a new legal backdrop likely to shape future climate-related claims. Green Lending Standards (PNG): PNG banks are preparing to introduce green loan standards after training with BPNG’s Green Finance Centre and the IFC to better assess environmental and social risks. Vanuatu Link in Global Finance Story: A report claims alleged financial criminals tied to India’s enforcement cases have moved operations abroad, including to Vanuatu, raising questions for regional financial integrity.

Quad Infrastructure Push: India, Japan, Australia and the US unveiled new Pacific plans in New Delhi, including port work in Fiji, maritime surveillance and critical minerals partnerships—showing how trade routes and connectivity are now part of regional economic security. Ocean Governance: Solomon Islands used the Melanesian Ocean Summit to argue ocean rules must be grounded in national authority and Indigenous stewardship, with proper sequencing and domestic sign-offs before any regional framework. Vanuatu Climate Watch: Vanuatu is on El Niño watch, as Pacific governments track climate risks that can quickly hit food, water and business continuity. Pacific Finance Boost: A new EU-backed Sustainable Pacific Blue Circle Fund launched in Suva to help SMEs in Vanuatu and other PICs access finance for the blue/green economy and climate resilience. Shipping Risk in the Black Sea: Russian drones struck a Vanuatu-flagged cargo ship (ANT) en route from Odesa to Turkey, injuring two crew and underlining rising threats to civilian trade corridors. PNG Green Lending Standards: PNG banks are preparing to introduce green loan standards after a training push by the central bank and IFC.

Pacific Finance Boost: A new Sustainable Pacific Blue Circle Fund was launched in Suva by the EU, UNCDF and UNDP to help micro, small and medium enterprises in Vanuatu and other Pacific states access finance and build climate- and ocean-economy resilience. Trade & Security: Pacific customs chiefs will meet in Nadi (June 2–4) as border threats from drugs, organised crime and illicit trade intensify, with a focus on protecting communities and supporting economic growth. Vanuatu in Global Shipping Risk: Russian drones hit the Vanuatu-flagged cargo ship ANT in the Black Sea, injuring two crew and sparking a fire—another reminder of how war risk is spilling into shipping costs and reliability. Climate Legal Push: The UN backed an ICJ climate ruling, affirming countries’ legal duty to limit warming—likely to shape future climate-related claims and policy. Regional Infrastructure: The Quad (India, US, Australia, Japan) says it will develop port infrastructure in Fiji, a move that could reshape Pacific trade logistics and geopolitics. Green Lending Standards: PNG banks are preparing to introduce green loan rules after a workshop with BPNG and the IFC, aiming to improve how environmental and social risks are assessed.

Green Finance for Banks: Papua New Guinea’s central bank is training regulators and commercial banks on new green lending standards, including how to classify green loans and assess environmental and social risks, with support from the IFC and Pacific central banks. Regional Border Security: Pacific customs leaders meet in Nadi (June 2–4) to scale up co-operation against drug trafficking, organised crime, illicit finance and smuggling, with Fiji hosting the Oceania Customs Organisation conference. Pacific SME Funding: A new Sustainable Pacific Blue Circle Fund is launched in Suva to help micro, small and medium enterprises across Fiji, PNG, Vanuatu and others access finance for the blue economy, green economy and climate resilience. Climate Accountability: The UN has affirmed an ICJ climate ruling that countries have a legal duty to limit global warming, a move expected to shape future lawsuits and appeals. Maritime Trade Risk: Russian drone attacks in the Black Sea hit Vanuatu-flagged cargo ANT and other foreign-flagged vessels, raising fresh concerns for shipping safety on a key export corridor. Vanuatu in the Spotlight: The Vanuatu-flagged ship ANT is repeatedly cited in reports as part of the latest escalation affecting civilian shipping routes.

Pacific Finance & Business: A new Sustainable Pacific Blue Circle Fund was launched in Suva to help micro, small and medium enterprises across Fiji, PNG, Samoa, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu—especially in the blue economy, green economy and climate resilience—tackling the region’s biggest bottleneck: access to finance. Maritime Trade Risk: Russian drone attacks in the Black Sea hit multiple foreign-flagged vessels, including a Vanuatu-flagged, Turkish-owned cargo ship ANT on the Odesa–Turkey route, injuring crew and sparking fires—raising fresh concerns for shipping safety on a key trade corridor. Regional Infrastructure Push: The Quad (India, US, Australia, Japan) says it will jointly develop port infrastructure in Fiji, with first projects flagged for Suva and Lautoka, in a move that could reshape Pacific trade and geopolitics. Insurance for Climate Shocks: Fiji’s TISA Insurance (Fiji) Limited was launched as a unified Pacific rebrand, with leaders saying insurance is central to protecting households and enabling investment in climate-vulnerable islands. Climate Accountability: The UN endorsed an ICJ climate ruling, affirming countries’ legal duty to limit warming—likely to influence future climate-related claims and policy fights.

Pacific Business Finance: A new Sustainable Pacific Blue Circle Fund has been launched in Suva by the EU, UN Capital Development Fund and UNDP to help micro, small and medium enterprises in Fiji, PNG, Vanuatu and other Pacific states access finance and scale blue/green economy and climate-resilience projects. Maritime Trade Risk: Russian drone attacks in the Black Sea hit multiple foreign-flagged vessels, including a Vanuatu-flagged cargo ship ANT owned by a Turkish company, injuring crew and sparking fires—raising fresh concerns for shipping safety along Ukraine’s export corridor. Regional Security & Infrastructure: PNG Prime Minister James Marape says Australia’s expanded presence at the Lombrum naval base won’t be treated as a foreign base, while the Quad moves to develop port infrastructure in Fiji, a move that could reshape Pacific trade and security dynamics. Vanuatu Community Impact: South Island community leader Richie George has died in a quad bike crash, with tributes highlighting his long-running support for Vanuatu communities and language/culture efforts. Business & Growth Opportunities: A new Pacific fund aims to grow resilient businesses, while Vanuatu is also set to benefit from regional initiatives targeting investment readiness and job creation.

Black Sea Shipping Shock: Ukraine says a Russian drone hit the Vanuatu-flagged cargo ship ANT, owned by a Turkish company, on the Odesa-to-Türkiye route, damaging the superstructure, starting a fire and injuring two crew who were evacuated for medical care. Regional Security Tensions: The attack follows fresh drone strikes on other vessels in the same corridor, raising new fears for civilian navigation and prompting Turkey to warn against “uncontrolled escalation.” Pacific Infrastructure Push: The Quad plans to build port infrastructure in Fiji, a move framed as delivering “high-quality” projects for Pacific priorities and potentially a new US-China flashpoint. Vanuatu Link in the Mix: The Vanuatu flag appears again in the Black Sea incidents, underlining how Pacific-linked shipping is getting pulled into major trade-route risks. Pacific Business Watch: A Pacific Business Brief highlights fuel relief efforts and minerals diplomacy, including ADB support for Pacific budgets amid the ongoing cost squeeze.

Maritime Trade Risk: Ukraine says Russian drones hit three foreign-flagged merchant vessels in the Black Sea export corridor, including a Vanuatu-flagged ship (ANT) owned by a Turkish company, injuring crew and sparking fires that were contained—raising fresh concerns for shipping tied to regional food trade. Regional Security & Sovereignty: Papua New Guinea’s PM James Marape says PNG will not allow foreign military bases as Australia expands its presence at the Lombrum naval port, stressing the facilities remain sovereign PNG despite long-term Australian “living services” arrangements. Pacific Business Watch: The ADB is preparing to spend hundreds of millions to support Pacific countries through the fuel crisis, with Fiji already securing a US$200m loan for budget support. Climate Accountability: Vanuatu is highlighted for leading a UN push backing legal climate duties after an ICJ opinion, with Pacific leaders urging stronger action on climate justice and sea-level rise. Local Market Pressure: New Caledonia’s kava industry fears a price surge linked to higher freight and reduced Vanuatu supply, warning of potential job losses. Vanuatu-Relevant Legal/Trade Angle: The WTO fisheries subsidies deal is framed as an environmental win, but negotiators warn three countries could derail the next phase—important for Pacific fishers and exporters.

Pacific Climate Accountability: The UN General Assembly backed the ICJ’s 2025 climate ruling, with Vanuatu leading the push for legally binding climate action—141 countries voted yes, 8 no, and 28 abstained—framing the move as a shift from sympathy to enforceable responsibility. Tourism & Connectivity: Fiji Airways’ expanded Vancouver–Nadi service from June is set to give Vanuatu a more direct, single-itinerary route to Port Vila via Nadi and coordinated Air Vanuatu connections, aiming to cut travel friction and boost high-yield North American arrivals. Insurance for Resilience: Fiji’s TISA Insurance (Fiji) Limited launched as a rebrand of Capital Insurance into a unified Pacific identity, with leaders stressing insurance as a pillar for entrepreneurship and recovery from climate and economic shocks. Kava Supply Pressure: New Caledonia kava stakeholders warn of a sharp rise in imported Vanuatu kava prices (about +40% since early 2026), citing fuel and freight costs plus lower Vanuatu production volumes. Agrifood Innovation: The Global AgriInno Challenge 2026 is open for agrifood innovators in SIDS, with Vanuatu among eligible countries and finalists set to pitch in Hangzhou. Regional Business Rules: New Caledonia adopted competition measures targeting excessive pricing and late payments, while debate continues over the Competition Authority’s powers.

Tourism & Connectivity: Fiji Airways is set to add more direct flights from Vancouver to Nadi, then route passengers onward to Port Vila via Air Vanuatu, giving Vanuatu a smoother, single-itinerary path that cuts travel friction for North American visitors. Climate Accountability: Vanuatu helped drive a UN General Assembly resolution backing the ICJ’s climate ruling, framing climate action as a legal duty—while Pacific leaders say it’s time for emissions accountability, not sympathy. Green Finance: Papua New Guinea’s Green Finance Summit in Port Moresby spotlighted sustainable investment tools and the push to attract private capital—an approach Vanuatu businesses can watch as regional finance shifts. Insurance for Resilience: TISA Insurance (Fiji) Limited launched in Suva after rebranding into a unified Pacific identity, with leaders stressing insurance as a pillar for households and entrepreneurship in climate-risk economies. Kava Trade Pressure: New Caledonia’s kava bars fear higher costs as the price of Vanuatu-sourced dried kava chips jumps sharply, driven by freight and fuel impacts plus lower production volumes. Agri Innovation: The Global AgriInno Challenge 2026 is open for agrifood innovators targeting Small Island Developing States, with reserved finalist spots for Vanuatu. Regional Security Tech: A report highlights China’s surveillance push in the Pacific, raising concerns about data collection and limits of “security” exports.

Climate Accountability: Vanuatu-led UN General Assembly resolution backed the ICJ’s 2025 climate opinion, with 141 countries voting in favour and 8 against, strengthening the push for states to treat climate action as a legal duty—an issue Pacific leaders say is now about demanding accountability, not sympathy. Regional Diplomacy & Security: A new report highlights China’s state surveillance model being tested in the Pacific, with backlash in the Solomon Islands raising questions about data collection and sovereignty. Tourism & Connectivity: Fiji Airways’ expanded Vancouver–Nadi service is set to make it easier for North American travellers to reach Port Vila via a single itinerary, a boost for Vanuatu’s post-pandemic tourism recovery. Business & Policy Watch: Global Citizen Solutions’ Global Citizenship Programs Index 2026 says the investment migration market is shifting toward governance and compliance over price, with buyers building “citizenship portfolios.” Pacific Climate Justice: Pacific Islands Forum leaders and Fiji’s climate minister Lynda Tabuya framed the UN vote as a legal and diplomatic breakthrough, warning sea-level rise and climate impacts are already hitting Pacific economies.