Pacific Islands

Report to Congress on the Pacific Islands

The following is the Aug. 17, 2022, Congressional Research Service report, The Pacific Islands.

From the report

The Pacific Islands region in the Southwest Pacific has emerged as an area of keen interest to major powers, largely due to the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC’s) expanding engagement in the region. The region has strategic significance for the United States and hosts key U.S. military installations. Congressional considerations include bolstering diplomacy in the region, funding...

https://news.usni.org/2022/08/18/report-to-congress-on-the-pacific-islands

Pacific nations hold trade discussions

Pictured: a representation of the Earth in space, with the view focused on the Pacific Ocean. The Pacific Ocean covers more than 30% of the Earth’s surface, according to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and covers more than 155 million square kilometres. Australia and New Zealand are visible in the lower left of the image, near the circumference of the Earth. Graphic: Google Earth.

Government Trade Ministers from across the Pacific met online yesterday, 30 June 2021, to...

https://www.shippingaustralia.com.au/pacific-nations-hold-trade-discussions/

Cross-Pacific free trade agreement enters into force

Pacific ocean and countries – supplied – credit Google Maps

PACER Plus, the Australia/New Zealand/Pacific Islands free trade agreement has entered into force.

Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, Simon Birmingham said PACER Plus was a major step in strengthening Australia’s relationship with our Pacific partners and would play a valuable role in supporting recovery in the region from COVID-19.

“This trade deal ensures greater market access and lower tariffs across a range of products which...

https://shippingaustralia.com.au/cross-pacific-free-trade-agreement-enters-into-force/

Opinion: ANL calls for consideration of larger vessels in Australia & New Zealand

Pictured: a large containership underway; Photo – Maritime Filming UK from Pixabay

Ships have been getting bigger and bigger over recent years. Vessels that were once seen as innovative in terms of their size and capability are already on the list of “the former greats” as newer and larger ships are developed, taking the industry’s trunk routes to new heights in scale and sustainability.

For many in the industry, this development in terms of increased size and capability is not only a reality,...

https://shippingaustralia.com.au/opinion-anl-calls-for-consideration-of-larger-vessels-in-australia-new-zealand/

Swire Shipping introduces new ship for the PNG-Pacific Islands trade

Pictured: the Chefoo (IMO 9848766); Photo: Swire Shipping

A new 2,400 TEU vessel, the Chefoo, has been introduced into the Swire Shipping fleet and it will be deployed on the on Swire’s South East Asia service, which connects South East Asia to Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands.

The South East Asia service is part of Swire Shipping’s network focused on connecting global supply chains to the communities of Papua New Guinea and the Pacific Islands

“We recognise that our key markets rely on...

https://shippingaustralia.com.au/swire-shipping-introduces-new-ship-for-the-png-pacific-islands-trade/