Organised by the EU in partnership with the International Trade Centre, it is designed to foster sustainable, inclusive economic growth through strategic partnerships, innovative business models, and quality investment under the EU’s Global Gateway strategy. European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela will participate in the Forum together with high representatives of 15 Pacific countries and of the three French Overseas territories in the Pacific. Together, they will make several announcements advancing the EU-Pacific partnership.

Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela said: “The EU–Pacific Business Forum is the first of its kind and proof that the European Union is serious about this partnership – I am happy to deliver here concrete deals together with our partners, projects, finance, and long-term commitment. We aim to unlock new opportunities for Pacific businesses and local communities, particularly in renewable energy, agriculture, and the blue economy, while supporting the growth of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which are the backbone of the Pacific economy. I look forward to exchange with our Pacific partners on how we can work together to attract investments, create jobs, improve connectivity, and promote economic cooperation with the region, in line with the EU’s Global Gateway strategy.” 

Deputy Prime Minister of Fiji, Hon. Manoa Kamikamica said: “The inaugural EU–Pacific Business Forum marks a new chapter in our partnership with the European Union—one that goes beyond dialogue and moves towards concrete investment, innovation, and trade opportunities. Fiji is proud to host this important event, which will unlock pathways for our businesses, empower our MSMEs, and strengthen our shared commitment to sustainable, inclusive growth. Together, the EU and Pacific can harness our unique strengths to build resilient economies and a prosperous future for our people.”

EU-Pacific Business Forum: shared goals, shared prosperity

The inaugural EU-Pacific Business Forum will bring together high-level EU and Pacific policymakers, private sector leaders, investors and development partners to foster stronger economic ties between the two regions under the EU-Pacific Economic Partnership Agreement.

European Union

The Forum will showcase opportunities and means for Pacific businesses, in particular micro, small and medium enterprises, to engage with European markets.

In alignment with the EU Global Gateway strategy and Green Deal, the focus sectors of the EU-Pacific Business Forum will be renewable energy, agriculture, fisheries and the blue economy alongside green innovation, digital connectivity, and inclusive infrastructure.

With the participation of the European Union and its Member States, the 15 Pacific Island Countries, and the three French Overseas territories in the Pacific, the EU-Pacific Business Forum will also be a platform for fostering intra-Pacific trade and regional integration: Pacific unity, shared prosperity, and a future shaped by collaboration.

About the EU-Pacific partnership 

The EU-Pacific partnership is based on shared values and aligned priorities. Under Global Gateway, it focuses on boosting sustainable investments in climate resilience, including renewable energy, and digital connectivity. Improving access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene as part of the Green Blue Alliance for the Pacific is one of the initiatives funded by the EU in several Pacific countries. Another example is the construction of Qaliwana and Vatutokotoko hydro power plants in Viti Levu, Fij that is being planned to increase access to clean, reliable energy for communities and considerably reduce the use of fossil fuels, allowing Fiji to get closer to its carbon neutrality goal.

The EU-Pacific interim Economic Partnership Agreement (iEPA) provides a stable framework for economic and trade relations between the regions, helping to attract long-term investments and promote export diversification. The Pacific States that have implemented the Economic Partnership Agreement have seen an increase in their exports to the EU. 

The trade relationship between the Pacific and the EU has historically been strong and remains important for both regions. Between 2014 and 2024, total bilateral trade averaged €3.3 billion, with a value of €3.8 billion in 2024.

The Pacific Islands and the EU are the only two regions in the world that have committed to achieving net zero by 2050. This commitment aims to address climate change as a critical global issue and boost sustainable, inclusive economic growth.

About Global Gateway 

Global Gateway is the EU's positive offer to reduce the worldwide investment disparity and boost smart, clean and secure connections in digital, energy and transport sectors, and to strengthen health, education and research systems.

The Global Gateway strategy embodies a Team Europe approach that brings together the European Union, EU Member States, and European development finance institutions. This approach aims to mobilise up to €300 billion in public and private investments from 2021 to 2027, creating essential links rather than dependencies, and closing the global investment gap.

For More Information

EU-Pacific Business Forum - European Commission

Global Gateway - European Commission