The Niue Chamber of Commerce (NCOC) proudly represented Niue at the Pacific Infrastructure Conference hosted by the Australia Pacific Islands Business Council (APIBC), held from 18-20 August at the Brisbane Convention Centre. The conference brought together over 650 delegates, 80 speakers, and more than 40 exhibitors from 20 countries.

This important regional forum gathered government leaders, contractors, chambers of commerce, and private sector representatives to discuss infrastructure development opportunities across the Pacific. It also attracted development partners not only from Australia and New Zealand but also from Europe, Asia, and the United States.

As part of the program, NCOC was invited to present on how contractors delivering infrastructure projects can and should work with Chambers of Commerce. The presentation, delivered by NCOC CEO Catherine Etuata Papani, highlighted the vital role Chambers play in providing on-island support, cultural knowledge, and trusted connections to local businesses and labor. This collaboration ensures that projects not only achieve their technical goals but also deliver lasting benefits for local communities and economies.

NCOC also hosted an exhibition booth, managed by Finance, Membership & Marketing Coordinator Charlotte Magatogia, which showcased the Chamber’s services and the wide range of Niue businesses, products, and services. The exhibition generated valuable networking opportunities and positioned Niue as an active participant in the Pacific’s growing infrastructure sector.

The Niue delegation was further strengthened by the presence of Hon. Crossley Tatui, Minister of Infrastructure, and Morgan Mougavalu, Director of Transport, who joined NCOC in emphasising the importance of public-private partnerships in delivering infrastructure for Niue’s future.

A key highlight of the Conference was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between NCOC and APIBC, formalising a commitment to continue working together to strengthen and develop Niue’s private sector.

This marks the second time NCOC has been invited to speak and present at the Conference, reinforcing the Chamber’s growing reputation as a respected private sector voice in regional forums.

Through such representation, NCOC ensures that Niue’s private sector is seen, heard, and actively engaged in shaping the region’s development agenda.