Kundu & Lali

I welcome you to this edition of Kundu & Lali, our South Pacific-focused newsletter from the Fiji and PNG offices of KPMG.

The Pacific region is entering a transformative era marked by stronger connectivity and bold investment strategies. Aviation continues to be a lifeline for Pacific Island Countries, and recent expansions by carriers such as Fiji Airways and Air Niugini are opening new corridors to Asia, North America, and Australia. These developments, supported by regional partnerships and infrastructure upgrades, aim to overcome long-standing challenges of thin routes and high operating costs. Policy commitments like the Suva Declaration and strategic tourism alignment underscore aviation’s role as a catalyst for inclusive growth and resilience, while sustainability remains central to future planning.

Meanwhile, Papua New Guinea showcased its ambitious investment horizon during PNG Investment Week 2025, unveiling a US$55 billion resource pipeline alongside initiatives in renewable energy, climate-responsive budgeting, and digital infrastructure. Major deals in LNG, mining, and forestry signal confidence in PNG’s economic diversification, complemented by projects such as Google’s subsea cable investment to boost connectivity. Across the wider Pacific, reforms in foreign exchange, green finance, and MSME strategies, coupled with infrastructure co-financing by ADB and World Bank, highlight a region positioning itself for sustainable growth and global engagement 

KPMG stands ready to support this transformation, leveraging our global expertise in infrastructure delivery, ESG advisory, and investment facilitation to help clients drive innovation, resilience, and sustainable growth across the Pacific

Air connectivity in the Pacific is undergoing a significant transformation as governments, airlines, and development partners work to strengthen links within the region and to major global markets. Aviation remains essential for Pacific Island Countries (PICs), where geography and oceanic distances make air travel a primary mode for tourism, trade, and essential services.

Papua New Guinea’s investment showcase, PNG Investment Week 2025, was held in Sydney from December 7–11 under the theme “Stronger Together – Investing for the Future.”  Hosted by PNG Chamber of Resources & Energy, the forum drew senior PNG and Australian leaders, global investors, and industry delegates. Prime Minister’s James Marape and Anthony Albanese led the Leadership Summit which highlighted PNG and Australia’s economic diversification and dependencies.

• Foreign exchange in PNG
• ADB and Air Niugini Limited signed a $35.8 million financing package
• PNG Tourism Promotion Authority launches the National Tourism Policy 2025–2045
• MSMEs at the centre of Fiji growth strategy
• Fiji film visa launched to entice international productions

Learn about key regulatory and geopolitical issues affecting the business entities in the South Pacific region.