U.S. Representative Ed Case has introduced a significant initiative aimed at fostering economic ties between the United States and Pacific Island nations. The proposed legislation, known as the “Promoting Regional Opportunities for Sustainable Prosperity and Economic Resilience in the Pacific Act” or PROSPER Act, seeks to negotiate free trade agreements with these island countries and extend duty-free treatment for select goods imported from the region.
The Democrat from Hawaii emphasizes that strengthening economic diplomacy with Pacific Island nations is crucial for maintaining the United States’ presence and influence in the Indo-Pacific region. Case stated, “The Pacific islands, spread across the vast Pacific Ocean, are key partners in maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific and strengthening mutual economic, security, and cultural ties across countries sharing mutual values and goals.” As a founding co-chair of the Congressional Pacific Islands Caucus, he is particularly invested in collaborating with these partners.
The PROSPER Act not only aims to enhance trade relations but also serves as a strategic move to counter China’s expanding influence in the Pacific. This initiative aligns with insights from the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission’s 2025 annual report, which recommends bolstering economic assistance to Pacific Island nations to support U.S. national security interests. The legislation draws inspiration from priorities established by the Pacific Islands Forum, which emphasizes the need for preferential trade agreements to address challenges such as limited competitiveness and geographical isolation.
If implemented, the PROSPER Act would restore duty-free benefits for various exports from eligible Pacific Island countries, a privilege that was previously available under the Generalized System of Preferences until it expired in 2020. The top exports from these islands, including tuna, cane sugar, ginger, and taro, would again be eligible for favorable treatment in U.S. markets.
Moreover, the act mandates the U.S. president to devise a plan for negotiating free trade agreements with island governments and to establish a dedicated trade facilitation program focused on fostering inclusive economic growth, creating job opportunities, and enhancing living standards in the region.
Case underscores the mutual benefits of such cooperation, stating, “It is in our mutual best interests that we develop, maintain and grow our relationships across all levels, of which economic advancement is especially important.” He brings attention to the importance of the Indo-Pacific in the broader context of global economic and geopolitical competition. The 2025 National Security Strategy highlights this area as a key battleground for the next century, underscoring the need for a robust U.S. economic strategy in the region.
By pursuing this initiative, Case notes that the program would incur low costs for the United States while delivering substantial strategic returns, especially against the backdrop of China’s increased efforts to amplify its regional influence. “My bill, PROSPER in the Pacific, would provide a visible alternative to Beijing’s approach by emphasizing economic partnership over debt-trap diplomacy,” he asserts, all while fostering private-sector development and market-based economies in collaboration with Pacific Island countries.
This initiative represents a hopeful direction for U.S.-Pacific relations, promoting shared prosperity and resilience in the region while reinforcing the enduring bonds that connect these nations.