SUVA, U.S. Embassy in Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Tonga, and Tuvalu -- U.S. Ambassador Joseph Cella hosted a panel discussion entitled, ‘Pacific Prosperity: Promoting Mutually Beneficial Trade and Economic Policies in the Pacific’ as part of the Indo-Pacific Business Forum (IPBF) today. Ambassador Cella welcomed Fiji’s Attorney General and Minister of Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, Kiribati High Commissioner to Fiji David Teaabo, Nauru High Commissioner to Fiji Michael Aroi, and Tuvaluan High Commissioner Temate Melitiana to the IPBF.

U.S. Ambassador Joseph Cella remarked “Embassy Suva is honored to host the Pacific Prosperity Panel of this forum to let the world know that the Pacific is open for business.
Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru and Tuvalu face challenges, though opportunities exist, whether in renewable energy, infrastructure, agriculture, tourism, and other areas of trade.

There are many opportunities for U.S. firms, with U.S. knowhow, to meet these goals and I am pleased to help build bridges between the Pacific and U.S. businesses.”

The panel members voiced their economic development priorities and needs to build Pacific economies that are more prosperous, sustainable and resilient to shocks.

The Indo-Pacific Business Forum is a premier public-private event organized by the United States Government and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. More than 1,000 people will be joining virtually for two-days of programming. Secretary of State Michael Pompeo and Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross will be participating to advance our economic and commercial engagement under the Indo-Pacific Strategy.