THE Pacific Roadmap for Economic Development (PRED) is expected to be “expensive” in order for it to be fully implemented.
This was the comment from Pacific Island Forum (PIF) secretary general Baron Waqa in response to questions by this newspaper in a media briefing on PRED earlier this week.
Mr Waqa was asked to disclose the estimated cost of PRED’s full implementation and how the forum would address funding gaps if development partners fell short.
Mr Waqa said PRED was already at its implementing stage and PIF leaders would continue to address the roadmap’s funding aspect as the framework progresses overtime.
“We cannot give you any specific figures at this time, but as you would probably know that the PRED covers all areas of business, trade and commerce,” Mr Waqa said.
The PRED is a detailed strategic framework designed to drive sustainable growth and prosperity in the Pacific, aligned to the 2050 strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.
The roadmap prioritises regional economic cooperation and financial integration as a solution to overcoming common development challenges in the Pacific.
The briefing, conducted by Prime Minister of Tonga and chair of Forum Economic Ministers Meeting (FEMM) Dr Aisake Eke, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad and
Mr Waqa highlighted that the PRED was already positioned as the Pacific region’s economic and financial engine.
The roadmap lays a foundation for regional leaders to mobilise long-term development finance, improving economic coordination and scaling investments in key sectors across the Pacific.
Note: This article was first published on the print version of the Fiji Times dated July 26, 2025
