At the U.S–Pacific Islands Business Forum in New York, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau underscored the growing significance of trade and investment links between the United States and the Pacific Islands. As part of these efforts, Landau confirmed forthcoming financial support for Pacific fisheries, showcasing a strong commitment to the region’s economic and environmental well-being.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Landau revealed that the United States is poised to authorize the second installment of $60 million to the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency as part of a decade-long Economic Assistance Agreement linked to the South Pacific Tuna Treaty. This substantial funding will allow U.S.-flagged vessels to operate within the exclusive economic zones of 16 Pacific Island countries, generating significant annual revenue for the U.S. economy.
The forum, orchestrated by the Business Council for International Understanding alongside the UN General Assembly, served as a platform to convene members of the Pacific Islands Forum, U.S. officials, and notable business figures from sectors such as infrastructure, energy, agriculture, technology, and defense. During this event, Landau shared valuable insights from his visits to Papua New Guinea, Palau, and the Marshall Islands, highlighting cooperation opportunities emerging from recent U.S initiatives. These include the U.S. Millennium Challenge Corporation’s selection of Fiji for a compact program and Tonga for a threshold program.
Participating Pacific leaders, including President Surangel Whipps Jr. of Palau and Prime Minister James Marape of Papua New Guinea, emphasized the necessity for deeper U.S. commercial partnerships and the advancement of public-private cooperation to address regional challenges and fuel economic growth. The forum was co-hosted in collaboration with Newmont Corporation, Viasat, and Atlas Air.
This recurring dialogue and financial support underscore the United States’ commitment to fostering a “free, open, and prosperous Pacific,” as seen in ongoing diplomatic and economic efforts, including the upcoming U.S.–Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Summit. These initiatives promise to strengthen the relationship between the U.S. and Pacific nations, ensuring the voices and needs of Pacific leaders shape solutions beneficial to their communities. Through sustainable fisheries management and increased private-sector engagement, these efforts are set to enhance regional resilience and shared prosperity, benefiting Pacific communities and U.S. interests alike.