The Pacific region faces ongoing challenges in infrastructure and economic development. Small island nations such as Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Niue, and New Caledonia need investments that strengthen resilience to climate change while supporting job creation and productivity. Building strong partnerships between governments, businesses, and development partners is essential to address these challenges.
Simon Gorman, President of the Australia Pacific Islands Business Council (APIBC) and Managing Director of Reeves International/CCB Envico, has been instrumental in advancing these partnerships. He leads efforts to connect Australian companies with Pacific markets, encourage investment, and support sustainable development.
Pacific Infrastructure Conference 2025: A Turning Point
Under Gorman’s leadership, the Pacific Infrastructure Conference 2025 set a new standard for business engagement. Held over three days in Brisbane, the event brought together more than 650 delegates, 80 speakers, and over 40 exhibitors from 20 countries. Participants included Pacific Island leaders, government officials, financiers, consultants, and construction companies.
The conference highlighted a growing pipeline of nationally led, climate-resilient infrastructure projects across the region. It stimulated interest from investors and contractors focused on creating jobs, improving essential services, and increasing long-term productivity. Breakout sessions featuring Pacific leaders were so well attended that many were standing-room only.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) sent one of its largest delegations ever to a Pacific business event, contributing to panel discussions and bilateral meetings. Over 40 exhibitors presented technologies in renewable energy, digital connectivity, water, transport, and construction.
Strengthening Regional Business Relationships
A key achievement at the conference was the signing of two Memoranda of Understanding between APIBC and the chambers of commerce in Niue and New Caledonia. These agreements aim to strengthen trade links and improve project delivery in island markets. Simon Gorman said the event demonstrated “the importance of collaboration,” noting that the memoranda “would help deepen commercial links and support delivery capacity across island markets“.
The conference was co-hosted by the Australia Pacific Islands Business Council, the Australia Papua New Guinea Business Council, and the Australia Fiji Business Council. It received major sponsorship from the Australian Government’s Office of the Pacific and support from governments and corporations in Australia and New Zealand.
Regional Priorities and Future Outlook
Pacific leaders emphasized priorities including clear procurement processes, stronger local content provisions, and blended finance structures that can reduce investment risks while speeding construction timelines. Stakeholders described the outlook between 2025 and 2027 as one of steady project mobilisation across multiple sectors.
According to Papua New Guinea’s Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso, near-term focuses include solar power, green financing, responsible borrowing, and affordable housing initiatives. Rosso highlighted the importance of credible procurement and government support for private capital to scale.
Australian Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Pat Conroy, framed Canberra’s approach around “Pacific priorities first,” pointing to funding support for climate-resilient assets, clean energy, and essential services. Conroy also noted extended support for regional telecommunications and aviation, key to enhancing connectivity and economic activity.
The Role of Business Councils
Business councils like APIBC play a vital role by providing platforms for business leaders and governments to collaborate. Their work supports the delivery of projects that reflect local priorities while attracting international investment and expertise. The MOUs with Niue and New Caledonia are examples of how these councils deepen cooperation beyond individual nations, creating a more unified Pacific business environment.
Simon Gorman’s leadership with APIBC exemplifies how business-government collaboration can help overcome Pacific development challenges. By fostering regional partnerships and supporting climate-resilient, sustainable infrastructure projects, Gorman is helping prepare Pacific island nations for future growth.
For government and business leaders in Papua New Guinea, Fiji, and smaller Pacific economies, engaging with organizations like APIBC is a practical way to access new investment opportunities, build local capacity, and meet development goals.
The momentum from the Pacific Infrastructure Conference 2025 signals an optimistic outlook for infrastructure-driven growth in the region. Moving forward, clear policies, inclusive local participation, and innovative financing will be essential to realize this potential.
