The first- ever European Union (EU)-Pacific Business Forum will take place in Nadi, Fiji on 4 and 5 September 2025.
The Forum will bring together high-level policymakers, private sector leaders, investors and development partners from the EU and the Pacific to foster stronger economic ties between the two regions, and to accelerate sustainable development and economic diversification in the Pacific region.
To underscore the significance of Pacific–EU economic relations and unlock their full potential, the Forum will be honoured by the presence of high-level representatives from the European Commission, the Pacific region and countries, including the Government of Fiji as host country, international financial institutions (IFI) and development partners.
Countries
The Forum is addressed to public and private sector representatives from the EU and the pacific region, coming from:
- the EU and its 27 Member States
- 14 Pacific Island Countries (PICs): Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu,
- Timor-Leste
- the three French Overseas territories in the Pacific: French Polynesia, New Caledonia, and Wallis-and-Futuna
Objectives
The objectives of the Business Forum are:
- to deepen and operationalise the economic, trade and investment cooperation between the EU and the Pacific region
- to increase trade and investment between Europe and the Pacific region by discussing existing opportunities and triggering future ones through stronger business relations between European and Pacific companies, with a focus on Global Gateway opportunities
- to boost intra-regional economic and trade relations between the Pacific countries and territories themselves, including their private sector companies.
Unlocking opportunities through the EU-Pacific Economic Partnership Agreement
The cooperation between the EU and the Pacific region bears great strategic importance, economic potential and political ambition. Both sides are committed to intensifying cooperation in many strategic sectors such as fighting climate change, encouraging private sector investments and developing digital and transport connectivity.
The Pacific region provides opportunities to develop trade ties under the EU Global Gateway, as demonstrated by the increasing number of Pacific States joining the Economic Partnership Agreement which currently applies to Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa and the Solomon Islands. The Federated States of Micronesia, Niue, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu are on their way to acceding the EPA, and the Republic of Marshall Islands has been recently recognised as official applicant to the same adhesion process, making this EPA a truly regional one – with no less than 11 countries in total once these processes will be completed.
Your opportunity to engage and participate
Participants will have the unique opportunity to meet and engage with a range of institutions either offering investment opportunities or actively seeking funding. This provides an excellent platform for networking, exploring potential collaborations and gaining insight into the latest investment trends and opportunities in various sectors. It is a great opportunity to connect with key players and discover new avenues for growth and innovation.
For all participants, the EU-Pacific Business Forum 2025 offers a unique platform to:
- Build a shared understanding and raise awareness of the cultures, economies, challenges, and priorities of both the EU and the Pacific region.
- Establish new business relationships and strengthen connections between companies and government entities from Europe and the Pacific.
- Foster collaboration and develop partnerships in key sectors of economic cooperation.
For European companies, the Forum will help you:
- Gain valuable insights into the business climate across the Pacific region.
- Identify investment opportunities aligned with local needs and priorities.
- Connect with Pacific companies, fellow European businesses, government representatives, and regional decision-makers through targeted networking opportunities.
- Learn about products available in the Pacific that are suitable for import to the European market.
For companies from the Pacific region, the Forum offers the opportunity to:
- Explore existing business opportunities within the EU market.
- Deepen your understanding of the regulations and procedures for exporting products to Europe.
- Meet European companies seeking to operate or expand their presence in the region.
- Engage with representatives from EU institutions, business support organizations, and development partners.
Who can you meet at the Forum?
Pacific private sector companies interested to develop their business with the European Union and the Member States and/or within the region
European private sector companies already operating or interested to develop business in the Pacific region
European Chambers of Commerce, EU Member States’ chambers of commerce, trade promotion agencies
Private sector organisations and associations for the Pacific
Ministers or other government officials from PICS, Timor-Leste, and OCTs
Relevant Pacific regional organisations
Development partners and multi-donor platforms
European and multilateral financial institutions
Relevant UN agencies
Relevant civil society organisations from the Pacific region
EU Institutions
Organisation
The Forum is organised by the EU in partnership with the International Trade Centre (ITC). ITC is the joint agency of the World Trade Organization and the United Nations. It is fully dedicated to supporting trade competitiveness and the economic transformation of SMEs, with a focus on developing countries. ITC assists SMEs in developing and transition economies to become more competitive in global markets, thereby contributing to sustainable economic development as part of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Indicative programme
The event will include:
- Official opening and closing sessions with high-level delegates from the EU, the Pacific, and Forum partners, including ITC
- Plenary and panel sessions, break-out and side events
- Dedicated platforms for Business-to-Business (B2B) and Business-to-Government (B2G) matchmaking
- Exhibition space to showcase projects, products and services from both the EU and Pacific region