Deputy Secretary Christopher Landau delivered the keynote address at the U.S.–Pacific Islands Business Forum, held in New York City alongside the United Nations General Assembly. The event was organized by the Business Council for International Understanding and aimed to promote trade and investment between Pacific Island Countries (PICs) and U.S. businesses.
The forum brought together members of the Pacific Islands Forum, senior U.S. government officials, and industry leaders from sectors such as infrastructure, natural resources, energy, agriculture, digital technologies, life sciences, and defense. Participants discussed current initiatives, challenges, and priorities in the region. They also emphasized the United States’ commitment to supporting economic cooperation, strengthening commercial ties, and promoting public-private partnerships.
In addition to Deputy Secretary Landau’s remarks, speakers included President Whipps of Palau; Prime Minister Marape of Papua New Guinea; Nat Adams, Acting Head of Global Government Relations at Newmont Corporation; and Mike Lubin, Vice President of Corporate Development at Viasat. The forum was hosted in partnership with Newmont Corporation, Viasat, and Atlas Air.
During his speech, Deputy Secretary Landau announced that the United States will soon provide a second $60 million payment to the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency. This funding is part of a 10-year Economic Assistance Agreement under the South Pacific Tuna Treaty. The treaty allows U.S.-flagged vessels to fish in the exclusive economic zones of 16 PICs and generates significant revenue for the U.S. economy.
Landau also shared updates from his recent visits to Papua New Guinea, Palau, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands. He highlighted opportunities created by the Millennium Challenge Corporation’s recent selection of Fiji for a compact program and Tonga for a threshold program.
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