Developing Sustainable Resilient Infrastructure in the Blue Pacific Conference and Trade Expo

FIEAust CPEng NER APEC Engineer IntPE(Aus) Eng Exec BCivEng (Hons), MEngSc (Proj Mngt), MA (Strategy & Mngt).

Paul has held a number of training, engineering, regimental and staff appointments during his 30 year Army career.Paul has been appointed as Officer Commanding the 17th Construction Squadron, where he was responsible for delivery of a $5 million Army Aboriginal Community Assistance Program construction project in Mapoon, Far North Queensland. Paul also completed a deployment as the Commanding Officer and Chief Engineer of the Force Extraction Unit during June to December 2013, responsible for successful delivery of the $8.5 million deconstruction project for remediation of Australian infrastructure within Multi National Base - Tarin Kot as part of the Australian Defence Force draw down in Afghanistan. Paul has also spent six years in Army Headquarters responsible for leading Land Force modernisation and infrastructure development. Paul is currently posted as Acting Assistant Secretary, Indo-Pacific Infrastructure Branch in the newly established Pacific Division, responsible for delivery and maintenance of security-related infrastructure for Indo-Pacific partner nations.

Prof Meg Keen is the Director of the Pacific Islands Program at the Lowy Institute and oversees the Institute’s analysis, events and external engagements.

Meg’s work on the Pacific region spans several decades across academia, intelligence and policymaking. Her research focuses on regional institutions, geopolitics, and resource and human security. She has worked in nearly all Pacific Islands countries.

Before joining the Lowy Institute, she was the inaugural Director of the Australia Pacific Security College at the Australian National University (ANU), and prior to this a Senior Policy Fellow in the ANU’s Department of Pacific Affairs, a Senior Analyst in the Oceania Branch of the Office of National Intelligence, and in the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI).

Meg has won four Australia Day Awards for her work as a senior Pacific Islands analyst, and an Australian Federal Police Overseas Service Medal for her work with RAMSI.

As the Queensland Treasurer, Cameron has driven Queensland’s nation-leading economic recovery from COVID-19, delivering record low unemployment, the largest budget surplus and the biggest infrastructure investment in Queensland history.   

As Minister for Trade and Investment, Cameron is committed to supporting Queensland’s vibrant export and trade economy, particularly Queensland businesses and industries focused on exporting, as well as encouraging inward investment to Queensland, both domestic and international. 

In the mid-1990s Cameron worked as an international development volunteer in the South Pacific nation of Tuvalu, under the Australian Volunteers Abroad program (now Australian Volunteers Abroad), Australia's oldest international volunteer-sending organisation. Cameron worked in the Office of the Attorney-General during his time in Tuvalu, initially as Crown Counsel and then later as the
Attorney-General of Tuvalu. 

With the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games secured, Cameron is focused on Queensland’s rise to become a showpiece for the world. 

Cameron has served as the State Member for Woodridge since 2015, and has previously served as the state’s Attorney-General, Minister for Health, Minister for Education, Minister for Industrial Relations and Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning. 

Honorable Ro Filipe Tuisawau is Fiji's Minister of Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport. He was appointed on 26 December 2022 after the Coalition Government victory in the 2022 General Elections. He was an Opposition Member of Parliament from 2018 to 2022. Prior to that he was a senior official and executive in various regional organizations and government commercial entities. He is also a former teacher and University lecturer. He is a graduate of the University of the South Pacific in Fiji and Massey University New Zealand. Hon Tuisawau is also a former President of the Fiji Rugby Union and is a current Member of Fiji's Great Council of Chiefs.

Deputy Prime Minister Manasseh Maelanga has served as the Deputy Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands for the past decade, bringing a wealth of experience and leadership to the nation's government. He currently holds the crucial portfolio of Minister for Infrastructure, where he has consistently demonstrated his dedication to advancing rural infrastructure development. Deputy Prime Minister Maelanga is passionate about improving basic social services and enhancing connectivity in remote areas, recognizing the pivotal role these initiatives play in the country's overall development.

With his extensive tenure in government and his commitment to fostering inclusive progress, Deputy Prime Minister Maelanga continues to be a driving force behind the Solomon Islands' efforts to enhance its infrastructure and uplift the lives of its citizens. His insights and leadership will undoubtedly contribute significantly to the discussions and decisions at the upcoming event.

Honorable Olo Fiti Afoa Vaai joined the political arena in 2006 and re-elected three times since, serving as an Opposition Member in Parliament to the previous Government.

He is now the Minister of Works, Transport and Infrastructure, since 2021. Minister Olo is responsible for the Ministry of Works, Transport and Infrastructure and a total of 8 government agencies, namely, the Land Transport Authority, Samoa Water Authority, Electric Power Corporation, Samoa Ports Authority, Samoa Airport Authority, Samoa Shipping Corporation, Samoa Shipping Services and Pacific Forum Line Ltd.

Prior to his Cabinet Minister Appointment, Hon. Olo served in various Parliamentary Committees, including the Finance and Expenditure Committee; Officers of Parliament Committee; Education, Science, Communications & Information Technology Committee; Foreign Affairs, Trade and Revenue Committee, Social Sector Committee, and Infrastructure Sector Committee

He was educated at Avele and Samoa College and subsequently pursued higher education in Telecommunications Engineering at Auckland University of Technology before beginning a career as a Technical Engineer at the Samoa Airport Authority where he worked for 15 years prior to 2003.

Minister Olo is 58 years old and is married to Afafulilo Afoa Vaai. 

Hon. Sevenitini Toumoua graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.), Civil Engineering from Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and holds a graduate diploma in Earthquake Engineering, Seismology and Earthquake Engineering from IISEE, Japan.

Hon. Toumoua, currently the Minister for Infrastructure in Tonga, was previously the Director General for Pacific Engineering Consultant Group (PECG) taking lead in supporting the implementation of various infrastructure development projects in Tonga, including the Nuku’alofa Urban Development Sector Project, co-financed by ADB and DFAT. He has extensive experience in development cooperation and engineering, and has served overseas on infrastructure projects for the World Bank, DFAT and the Asian Development Bank including in Christmas Island, Kiribati. Hon. Toumoua served as Chief Engineer and Director in the Ministry of Infrastructure for 19 years and has a passion for upskilling and providing opportunities for young and emerging engineers. He values the partnership with development partners and advocates the strengthening of public-private sector relationships.   

Dr Teuea Toatu is an economist by training and profession. He obtained his PhD in economics from the Australian National University (ANU) Canberra, Australia. Professionally, Dr Toatu is a Senior Associate member of the Australasian Institute of Banking and Finance (AIBF) Dr Toatu has held senior positions in government, regional and international organisations, having worked in the Commonwealth Secretariat in London, UK, Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) and the South Pacific Applied Geoscience Commission (SOPAC) in Fiji. Academically, Dr Toatu was a fellow at the Crawford School, Australian National University, Canberra and lecturer at the University of the South Pacific in Fiji. Dr Toatu was elected to the Kiribati Parliament in 2016 and appointed Minister of Finance & Economic Development. Recently, he was appointed Vice President of the Republic of Kiribati but still holding the Finance Minister’s portfolio.

Drawing from 38 years of dedicated service, Leiataua Isikuki Punivalu brings a wealth of expertise in engineering and project management, with a strong focus on resilient infrastructure development in Samoa. His journey includes a spectrum of roles, from supervising construction projects in Samoa and Tokelau to overseeing climate-resilient initiatives. Notably, Isikuki has managed critical World Bank-funded projects, restoring and enhancing road infrastructure while bolstering climate resilience along the West Coast Road in Samoa. His contributions extend to policy development, standards enhancement, and institutional strengthening, ensuring the sustainable growth of Samoa's infrastructure landscape. Isikuki's experience in overseeing diverse projects, addressing climatic challenges, and fostering local capacity positions him to share valuable insights and success stories from Samoa's resilient infrastructure journey at this conference."

Adam has +15 years’ experience in business governance, strategy execution, compliance, and operations, with current director roles with Frontier Equities and Kramer Ausenco, PNG’s first indigenous infrastructure consultancy business with over 130 personnel across 7 countries. Adam has strong hands-on experience in business operations, client relationship management, and project delivery, having successfully delivered buildings and resource sector infrastructure with Kramer Ausenco, investment advisory services with Frontier Equities in PNG and Solomon Islands, as well as integrated infrastructure feasibility studies across both entities. Adam also leads Resources, Power & Industrial portfolios across Kramer Ausenco and Frontier Equities. He holds a B. Engineering and an MBA from the University of Queensland, and a graduate certificate in Applied Finance from Queensland University of Technology. He is a Member of Institute of Engineers Australia (IEA), IEPNG, PNG Registered Engineer, MIEAust, PNGID and MAICD.

Adrian Weeks is the Australian Trade and Investment Commission’s Trade Commissioner, Port Moresby and Solomon Islands.

Adrian and his business development team are responsible for key relationships with PNG and Solomon Island companies, Australian businesses, government departments and industry associations that operate in these markets.

The Pacific region attracts the highest number of Australian exporters.  This is due to the close geographic proximity of Australia to the region and Australia’s wide supply chains provide a broad range of exports products to the region.  In terms of services Australia is a dominant market for tourists to the region.

Solomon Islands attracts around 900 Australian companies in multiple sectors such as mining, technology, agribusiness (cereals and meat), infrastructure (water, energy & roads), building and construction materials and education.  In the North Pacific there is also PNG which is unique due to its natural resource wealth and large population.  PNG attracts more than 4000 Australian exporters.   Australia is the main investor in PNG with investments of around $14 billion.

Adrian has undertaken assignments in India, PNG and Thailand and previous was the Trade Commissioner Pacific covering the South Pacific region.

Prior to Austrade Adrian held business development positions with Tourism Australia for twelve years based in London, Los Angeles and Sydney.  He also worked for the transport company Queensland Rail.  

Adrian has a Masters of Business Administration from Griffith University.

Ajit Garg is a Business Development Manager and Senior Consultant with Entura. Ajit is a chartered mechanical engineer with over 2 decades of design and field experience in hydropower, pumped storage, dam safety and water infrastructure projects within Australia, South Asia, Southeast Asia and the Pacific. Ajit’s specialties include due diligence, screening studies, preparation of feasibility studies, developing technical specifications, detailed design, and performing Owner’s Engineer roles for hydro-mechanical equipment. Ajit is also a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) from the Project Management Institute, USA and has successfully managed a range of large projects, including costing, scheduling and procurement. At Entura, Ajit applies his extensive consulting experience to develop Entura’s products and capability and grow the business in hydropower and renewable energy.

Andrew is a Director of Environmental and Technical Review at Export Finance Australia, and is responsible for the assessing and managing the ESG and technical risks associated with all transactions considered by EFA, from facilities supporting SME businesses through to large project and structured finance deals.  He also supports EFA with the development of its ESG and sustainable finance strategy. 

Andrew has over 17 years' experience in ESG and environmental sustainability, primarily in the infrastructure space, where he has held a variety of roles in consulting, government and for contract delivery partners. Over this time, Andrew has been involved with the development of various sustainability standards and tools, and continues to be engaged with internationally recognised ESG bodies, including the Equator Principles Association and as a Practitioner of the OECD Common Approaches. Andrew has keen interest in the recent development of the ISSB disclosure standards and what these standards will mean for Australia.     

Andrew holds a Bachelor of Science from James Cook University, a Masters in Environmental Law and an MBA from Quantic School of Business and Technology. 

Antoine Boudier was born in Vanuatu and has spent his lifetime contributing to the development and growth of the nation since gaining Independence in 1980.

Antoine runs his own successful business, VATE Electrics, which employs over 40 fulltime staff in Port Vila and in the islands.

He is heavily involved in sports development and currently chairs the Vanuatu Olympic committee, as well having sat on the Board of the Vanuatu Provident Fund and the Price Control Advisory Committee.

Most notably Antoine has been leading the Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce and Industry in his role as President of the Board since 2020, encouraging the promotion of business and job development, while also working with the Government on ways to grow the economy and encourage investment into the country.

He is committed to a vision of a healthy and prosperous Vanuatu.

A research scientist and senior technical advisor with the United Nations Development Program’s Pacific Office, Dr Webb has over 35 years experience in the Pacific / Australasian region in tropical island geoscience, resource management, sea level and shoreline science. Dr Webb was a Lead Author within the 5th IPCC (International Panel on Climate Change) process and has co-authored coastal research which has driven paradigm shifts in understanding of tropical shoreline processes. Joining UNDP’s Pacific operations in 2017 as a Chief Technical Advisor to the Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation Project, Dr Webb developed the GCF funded adaptation designs now being successfully implemented, including 7.3 hectares of raised new land designed to remain safe beyond 2100. Currently he is working with the Government of Tuvalu to develop the country’s first technically feasible, national long term adaptation plan L-TAP, and is also currently working on long term adaptation initiatives in Federated States of Micronesia and Tonga.

Ashley Finn, the Managing Director of Pacific Islands International (PII), embodies visionary leadership, harmonizing his profound Pacific roots, a fervor for construction, and astute logistics acumen. Hailing from Townsville and an alumnus of Ignatius Park College, Ashley's journey into the family enterprise commenced in 2001.

Ashley's unwavering commitment to professional development shines through his successful completion of the AICD Course in 2020. Ashley is on the exeuctive committee of the Australian Pacific Islands Business Council and formerly chaired the Townsville Enterprise (TEL) Papua New Guinea Economic Working Group. His dedication extends to community development, with PII partnering with Youth With a Mission (YWAM) to support their Pacific mission. Moreover, Ashley serves as a non-executive director on the board of LiteHaus International, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to imparting vital technological skills to children in developing nations.

Bas van Dijk is recognised as a dynamic and innovative Maritime industry leader with over 20 years of professional experience in civil and maritime engineering. Previously active in The Netherlands, the Middle East and Vietnam, Bas is now based in Sydney at Royal HaskoningDHV Australia as Maritime Associate Director / Senior Technical Director.

Bas was a co-author of Smart Ports in the Pacific, a publication sponsored by the Asian Development Bank, which serves as a blueprint of best practices for the development of smarter ports in the Pacific. In preparation for this contribution, Bas conducted field trips and extensive research throughout the Pacific region including Samoa, Tonga, Solomon Islands and Fiji to name a few. Bas was also a leading author and contributor to the highly regarded Vanuatu Ports Plan 2040.

Bas has considerable expertise in the planning and design of marine structures in many parts of the world. Bas van Dijk is well-known and respected for his leadership and has been involved in many major international multi-disciplinary projects – either as Project Manager or Project Director, in West-Africa, the Middle East and Asia Pacific.

Mr Benoît Cambier joined the European Investment Bank (EIB) in 2017 and since worked mainly on the EU’s external mandates related to Africa, Caribbean, and the Pacific as well as the EU’s Eastern Neighbourhood. He was appointed in January 2022 as the EIB's new Representative for the Pacific, covering the PICs as well as Timor-Leste. He opened the EIB’s new regional representation office located in Suva, Fiji in March 2023.

Prior to joining the EU Bank, Mr Cambier gained substantial professional experience in various public sector environments (EU and UN) as well as in the private sector with some international consultancy firms.

With over 17 years of professional experience, he developed expertise in various fields such as development and impact finance (incl. microfinance), public infrastructure, regional economic development and innovation, agriculture, and climate change.

Mr Cambier, a Belgian national, holds a MSc. in applied mathematics engineering with a minor in economics

Blane McGuiness is a Registered Professional Engineer (RPEng/RPEQ), holding an honours degree in Materials Engineering from the University of New South Wales, a Master of Business Administration, and graduate qualifications in Sustainability from Cambridge University. As a specialist durability and structural remediation engineer, Blane is also an accredited Corrosion Technologist, holding the highest certification as awarded by the Australasian Corrosion Association.

Throughout his career, Blane has extensive national and international experience in Structural Remediation, Engineering Design,  and large civil and maritime infrastructure construction works. With his wealth of industry experience, Blane is a well-regarded thought leader and an active member across numerous associations and institutes, including his recent role as a Director of the Australasian Corrosion Association (2019-2022), and visiting research supervisor with the University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, Australia.

Based in Auckland, Brad is head of the Australian Trade & Investment Commission’s New Zealand and Pacific Region. Brad has held senior leadership roles across a broad range of industry sectors including resources, energy, infrastructure, trade and agriculture. He has spent his career developing and implementing advocacy, reputation and stakeholder engagement strategies in complex operating environments both domestically and internationally. Prior to joining Austrade, Brad was CEO of the Australian Logistics Council a leading industry body representing businesses operating in the freight and logistics supply chain. He spent three years as the General Manager of Corporate Affairs at the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) before his shift into the supply chain sector. He also led the global government relations function at mining and metals company, South32, following the demerger from BHP. Brad holds a degree in Business (Agricultural Commerce) from the University of New England.

Prof Brendan Mackey is Director of the Climate Action Beacon at Griffith University, Queensland. He has a PhD in ecology from The Australian National University. Griffith’s Climate Action Beacon seeks to develop the knowledge, leadership, capacity and responses to enable effective and just climate action throughout society, through collaborative, interdisciplinary research and partnerships that establish change in practice. Prof Mackey has published extensively in the fields of environmental sustainability and was a Coordinating Lead Author for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) recent 6th Assessment Report for Working Group II on Impacts, Vulnerability and Adaptation. He has worked extensively in the Pacific region on R&D projects including the design and development of the Pacific Climate Change Portal, coastal hazard modelling, water quality monitoring, community-centered climate change adaptation, the economic valuation of ecosystem service benefits, and MER of community off-grid mini-power systems. Current Pacific projects including community capability and capacity building in partnership with Infinity Blue (PNG) Ltd, New Ireland PNG.

Caleb Jarvis became the Trade & Investment Commissioner for Pacific Trade Invest Australia in 2008. He is an Executive of the Australia Papua New Guinea Business Council, Australia Pacific Islands Business Council and the Australia Fiji Business Council. He also sits on the Approval Committee for Pacific Rise a DFAT funded initiative.

He has an extensive background in international private sector development, trade, investment, impact investing, tourism, marketing, property and the creative industries. Assisting Pacific Island enterprises to make the right commercial connections remains his key priority.

In 2003 he joined the Australian Trade Commission where he managed a team of Export Advisers in NSW and the ACT. He was posted overseas as the Acting Trade Commissioner Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean for Australia in 2007.

Mr Jarvis resided in PNG managing the City Pharmacy Group of companies from 1996 until 2003. During this period the company underwent a process of substantial growth and was listed on the PNG’s stock exchange. As a child Mr Jarvis resided in Port Moresby for several years.

Chris Freer is a principal and senior geotechnical engineer with more than 40 years of specialist expertise in site investigations, geotechnical engineering and project management.  He is a project director with the Auckland Geotechnical Group of Tonkin & Taylor and is responsible for management and technical quality assurance for projects undertaken both in New Zealand and internationally. Chris' experience includes a wide range of infrastructure, natural hazard and land development projects in the Pacific, covering more than 17 countries across the region. Beyond the Pacific region, Chris has managed assignments in SE Asia, Africa, the Seychelles and the Caribbean. He has a thorough understanding of the key factors to successfully delivering international projects funded by major donor agencies such as ADB, World Bank, JICA, DFAT and NZ MFAT. Major Pacific project assignments have included international airports/ports, road networks and both Government and private sector land developments. In New Zealand, Chris oversees geotechnical investigations for a wide range of site developments covering education facilities, commercial and industrial projects - principally in the Auckland region. He brings a strong track record of successfully executed assignments supported by his specialist geotechnical engineering knowledge.

Craig is a career Foreign Service Officer serving as the Deputy Economic Counselor at the U.S. Mission to Australia. He previously served as the Deputy Secretary of State’s staff covering Asia and economic issues. Craig also served in Washington as the Burma Unit Chief and served abroad in New Zealand, Uganda, Burma, and Kenya. Craig has a Master of Arts from Columbia University and a Bachelor of Science with Honors from Cornell University.  He speaks Burmese, Swahili, and Luganda.

Cris is a Senior Procurement Specialist based in the World Bank’s office in Sydney. He and his team are responsible for procurement reform dialogue with Pacific Island Countries and for the fiduciary oversight of the bank’s investments in this area. Cris has more than 18 years’ experience in public procurement and prior to joining the World Bank, Cris worked as a procurement expert for the Brazilian and Timorese Governments and also the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

With overall responsibility for the Marine Operations at Hall Contracting, Dan has over  25years of Marine and Infrastructure experience across the Pacific, Australia, and Europe. Dan is recognised for his strengths in leadership, business management, planning and service delivery, and is driven by a commitment to provide outstanding results for every client.  Dan structures projects with clear goals and measurable outcomes so the team members can innovate and develop optimised solutions in all scenarios.  Dan is immensely proud of the work Hall Contracting is undertaking in the Pacific and takes a key role in delivering Halls commitment to Local industry , through maximising local procurement, capacity  building and providing employment and training opportunities.

Daniel Tucker is a former Solomon Islands Chamber Commerce and Industry (SICCI) Board Member and held the position for two (2) terms between 2020 – 2022. He is currently a Member for the ‘Building and Construction Industry Working Group (BCIWG)’ a subcommittee of SICCI.

Daniel Tucker is employed by Kramer Ausenco (SI) Ltd as the Country Manager – The largest engineering and project management firm founded in PNG with regional coverage across the Pacific and established operations in the Solomon Islands for over 40 years.

He has almost 15 years’ experience in Engineering and Project Management in a wide range of infrastructure projects in the Solomon Islands, PNG and the Pacific.

Daniel’s business focus has been reinforcing core strengths in quality engineering and project management, whilst improving standards and developing the capabilities of national professionals/experts on local and international projects.

Daniel holds the qualifications of Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) (PNGUOT).

With over 25 years’ experience in Program Management, Project Director and Senior Project Manager roles, Darren’s project management skills include planning, delivering and commissioning complex infrastructure. He also has extensive experience working for government partners in Australia and overseas. Darren’s significant experience and skills establishing program management units enable technical skills to be transferred, while embedding capacity development for clients.

David Dewar is NZTE's Trade Commissioner for the Pacific, based at the New Zealand High Commission in Suva. As part of this role, David oversees NZTE's in-market activity and support to New Zealand exporters across the Pacific region. 

Prior to assuming the Trade Commissioner role, David was NZTE's Pacific Project Lead, working with NZTE's Australia-Pacific team leading NZTE's Pacific strategy, and the re-establishment of a resident trade commission for the region. 

Before joining NZTE, David had a 13-year career with the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, including diplomatic postings in Europe and Australia. Other previous roles included working on New Zealand's WTO and FTA trade negotiations; the Australia-New Zealand Single Economic Market; and New Zealand's relationship with the ten ASEAN nations. 

David holds Law and Arts degrees from the University of Canterbury and a graduate certificate in economics from the Australian National University. 

Owner of a consulting company in 1974, Denis came back in New Caledonia to learn French language again as well as to work with various companies until 1976. In 1976, he joined John LYSAGHT group as consultant in business development in ASIA / Pacific area. His job was to look for partners, search for industrial equipment manufacturers and to sell licences and patents in the world. In 1986, Denis took over the direction of SICOTEC as CEO for the Pacific. In 1994, SICOTEC became BHP Steel, and then Bluescope Steel in 2003. Bluescope Steel is the first manufacturer of Zincaluminium coated steel in the world. As today, Denis is Chairman of Bluescope Acier New Caledonia, company that has 49 employees in Nouméa and 11 employees in Koné, North of New Caledonia. He is also Chairman of Bluescope Lysaght Vanuatu (14 employees). Since 1996 Denis is member of the French Council of Foreign Trade (CCEF NC) and since 2007, he is President for New Caledonia branch of the French Council of Foreign Trade as well as Vice-President for the Asia - Pacific region. In 2000 founding Vice-President of the Pacific Economic Cooperation Council in New Caledonia. (PECC) To share his knowledge and pioneering ideas in management, economy and building industry, Denis participates in various seminars, meetings, and conferences. He is one of the founders of Federation of Industries in New Caledonia (FINC) and Honorary President since 2008. Denis has been President of the SITNC (Processing Industries Corporation in New Caledonia) for 21 years, and for 18 years he has been Vice-President and elected as member of the Chamber of commerce and Industry in NC. Since 1st July 2014 he is Member of the executive committee of APIBC (Australian pacific islands business Council) and President of APIBC NC. Founding Director of l’AUBE, Australasia Business Expertise Founding member of the EGC - Business and Management School of NC. Member of MEDEF-NC Member of LION’S club since 1970. Director and Administrator in several companies and councils in Asia Pacific Region.

Erik Becker is the Regional Head, Infrastructure, East Asia Pacific – based in Singapore. Erik, a US and German national, has more than 20 years of international infrastructure investment experience. During his career he was based in the America, Africa, Europe, East Asia, and the Middle East. Erik has originated, closed, and supervised transactions in more than a dozen countries. 

Erik’s top priority is to grow the infrastructure business in the East Asia Pacific region in line with IFC’s growth strategy and focus on the tremendous energy transition potential for climate business in the East Asia Pacific, a region that has emerged not only as one of the world’s most economically vibrant but also as one of its highest emitters of greenhouse gases. 

Erik holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from INSEAD and a Master’s degree in Energy Systems and Process Engineering from the Technical University of Berlin.

Fraser is the Managing Director of McConnell Dowell Constructors Ltd for New Zealand and the Pacific Islands with over 30 years’ experience in senior management roles across the civil infrastructure sector.  He has been providing effective governance to large multi-disciplined project teams for more than a decade.  His management skills are aligned with technical expertise and deep insight into constructability issues.  This enables him to drive optimal solutions and value engineering, manage risk and act on opportunities.  

Fraser brings outstanding skills in strategic analysis and planning, performance management, and financial and commercial management. He has an impressive record in governance, with experience as PAB Chair on two of New Zealand’s best performing alliance projects ‐ the Memorial Park Alliance (MPA) and Wynyard Edge Alliance (WEA) that has delivered the 36th America’s Cup infrastructure (AC36). Other relevant governance includes roles on the CRL C2, SCIRT Alliance, and Hamilton Ring Road.

Gareth is a qualified Civil Engineer with 27 years’ experience in civil engineering, construction management and project governance. He has delivered significant trans-Tasman infrastructure works. In Australia, this included the $700M Sapphire to Woolgoola Pacific Highway Upgrade and the Majura Parkway Dual Carriageway - the largest infrastructure project undertaken by the ACT government at the time. In New Zealand he was seconded to the multi-award winning North Canterbury Infrastructure Recovery Alliance (NCTIR) after the devastating 2016 Kaikōura earthquake, delivering a more resilient road and rail network.

As Regional Manager for Transport and Infrastructure South, Lower North and Pacific at Downer, Gareth leads with a strong focus on communication, programme and safety to achieve client objectives. He currently provides governance to a range of infrastructure projects, including the $500M Inter-island Resilient Connection project (iReX), the Solomon Islands Provincial Airfield Upgrades, the Wellington Metro Upgrade Project, and Niue Hanan International Airport Upgrade.

Geoffrey Tan is a Managing Director at U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC). As DFC’s representative based in Singapore, he is responsible for business development in Malaysia, Mongolia, the Pacific and the Philippines, as well as coordination across DFC’s Bangkok, Jakarta and Mumbai offices. Mr. Tan has worked in emerging markets investment financing for over 25 years. Since joining Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) – now DFC - in 2003, he has worked primarily on power, renewable energy and infrastructure projects, but also has diversified into other sectors including access to finance, impact and gender lens investing. These investments have been in Latin America, the Middle East, Central and Eastern Europe, Africa and Asia. Prior to OPIC Mr. Tan worked for the Chase Manhattan Bank (now JPMorgan Chase) in New York, Singapore and Hong Kong focusing on project and structured finance, and for Emerging Markets Partnership in Singapore focusing on private equity infrastructure investments. Mr. Tan is a graduate of Cornell University and the University of Virginia, and attended Université Catholique de Louvain in Belgium.

George has over 20 years’ experience in the Construction and Property industry, he currently is the Group Chairman and Governing Director for the Constantinou Group of Companies, Chairman and Managing Director of both Hebou Constructions and Monier Limited. He is also the Director of a number of other Director positions throughout Papua New Guinea, Australia and New Zealand. George graduated with a Bachelor of Regional and Town Planning, as well as a Masters of Project Management (Property Studies), and is also a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Mr. Roger Harvie Probert, also known as Harvie was CEO of Fiji Gas from 1983 to 2014 when he retired. He has been a Director of Fiji Gas since 1971 and an independent non-executive director of Fiji Gas since 2014. Harvie previously has served as General Manager and a Director Tonga Gas Ltd from 1986 to 2013 when the business was sold.

He served as the President of the Fiji Institute of Management from 1989 to 1991 and the Fiji Employers Federation from 1993 to 1995. He served as a Director of Geopacific Resources NL an ASX listed company for 2 years. He has served as the Chairman of the Mining and Quarrying Council of Fiji from 1999 until 2023. He served as a board member of the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji and as the first Chairman of Airports Fiji Ltd in 1998. He has been a Board member of the Capital Markets Development Authority, the Fiji Revenue and Customs Authority and the Fiji National Provident Fund.

He currently serves as a Director of Fiji Chemicals Ltd, Island Quarries Ltd and Origin Energy Vanuatu Ltd.

Ian draws on more than 35 years’ experience as a partner advising in the Firm’s Corporate and Finance practices. Ian was formerly Chairman of the Firm in Australia for 18 years and held the position of Global Vice Chair on Dentons' Global Board.

Seen as an expert on PNG and the Pacific, Ian offers strategic advice to banks, international financial institutions, energy and resource companies, financial intermediaries, sovereign wealth funds, multi-lateral development banks, and governments. Ian has advised on major commercial transactions including aircraft financing and acquisitions, privatisations, and major energy and resource projects.

Ian regularly works with governments in the Pacific and major donor partners, including DFAT, on issues facing the region including ongoing efforts to invest in Pacific infrastructure.

Ian is President of the Australia Pacific Islands Business Council and member of the Pacific Trade Invest Independent Advisory Board.”

Ian is Officer in Charge (OIC) at PNG Ports Corporation, having been appointed on 28th April 2023, prior to which he was Chief Commercial Officer since October 2017, and Chief Operating Officer 2014 to 2015.

He first joined PNG Ports as an AusAid strategic advisor in 2009 to 2012, and was a private advisor to the CEO from 2012 to 2014.

He has 30 years’ experience predominately in the maritime and infrastructure space, 22 years of which in Papua New Guinea, holding senior leadership and advisor roles in Papua New Guinea and New Zealand, with companies and organisations such as Burns Philp, Eastland Port and Eastland Infrastructure, Steamships and PNG Department of Finance.

Ian holds an MBA (Finance and Marketing) from Massey University, Albany, New Zealand.

Drawing from 38 years of dedicated service, Leiataua Isikuki Punivalu brings a wealth of expertise in engineering and project management, with a strong focus on resilient infrastructure development in Samoa. His journey includes a spectrum of roles, from supervising construction projects in Samoa and Tokelau to overseeing climate-resilient initiatives. Notably, Isikuki has managed critical World Bank-funded projects, restoring and enhancing road infrastructure while bolstering climate resilience along the West Coast Road in Samoa. His contributions extend to policy development, standards enhancement, and institutional strengthening, ensuring the sustainable growth of Samoa's infrastructure landscape. Isikuki's experience in overseeing diverse projects, addressing climatic challenges, and fostering local capacity positions him to share valuable insights and success stories from Samoa's resilient infrastructure journey at this conference

Mr Jamie Isbister is Deputy Head, Office of the Pacific and the Head of the Strategic Infrastructure Division at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). Jamie previously served as Australia’s Ambassador for the Environment. He is responsible for promoting and protecting Australia’s national interests on strategic infrastructure development throughout the Pacific region where he leads several branches within the Division including the Pacific Infrastructure Branch, Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP) and the Key Sectors Branch. Jamie is also the infrastructure coordinator at DFAT, responsible for leading on infrastructure strategy and representing Australia at various international forums, including the Quad.

Prior to this he headed DFAT’s Humanitarian, NGOs and Partnerships Division for five years and was the Australian Government’s Humanitarian Coordinator. He has previously served overseas as Minister Counsellor Development for Africa based in Pretoria and was Assistant Director General for the Africa and Middle East Branch of AusAID.

Jamie has over 25 years’ experience working in the humanitarian and development field. Before entering Government, he worked for a range of international development and human rights organisations including Amnesty International and the Caritas International network.

Jamie is also DFAT’s mental health champion.

Jay Bartlett is the Managing Director at Hatanga Ltd, a local construction company based in the Solomon Islands capital, Honiara. At present he is a member of the Central Bank of Solomon Islands Board of Directors, Deputy Chair for the Solomon Islands Tertiary Skills and Education Authority Board, and a member of the Bmobile Board of Directors – a telecommunications company in the country. Previously Jay was on the Board of the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce, where he was Board Chairman from 2014 to 2021. Jay obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Marine Sciences from James Cook University in Queensland, Australia, and is currently completing an MBA Course online through the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).

Jesse is the Senior Manager, International Partnerships in the International Team at Standards Australia. In his role he is focused on undertaking capacity building and trade enabling project work with other National Standards Bodies (NSBs) and regional and international partners to build capacity and to promote economic integration in the region. This includes a range of activities in the Pacific, headlined by the Pacific Quality Infrastructure (PQI) Initiative where Jesse supports the standardisation pillar of the initiative. This work aims to uplift standards development and adoption capabilities and promote harmonisation in the region.

Jesse is a Director on the Australian Services Roundtable, Australia’s only dedicated whole-of-services industry organisation. He works actively to promote the Australian services industries through participation in international and regional fora and through seeking to ensure that services are sufficiently recognised on Australia’s public policy radar. He is also a Steering Committee Member on the National GS1 Traceability Advisory Group (NGTAG) that supports the enhancement of supply chain traceability in Australia​ to help maintain and build global competitiveness and sustainable economic growth.

Justin Tierney has a career that has spanned through several cities and a diverse range of roles, the last 19yrs has been within the BlueScope Steel organisation. He is currently on the executive team for the Australian Fiji business Council, State Manager Building Markets – NSW/ACT and Director of BlueScope Steel – Fiji which has business units in Samabula, Nadi and Walu Bay, along with export markets across the wider Pacific Islands Region. With a combined team of 100 local Fijians, and under his leadership they proudly service the construction and building industry with market leading and highly regarded products and brands throughout the Pacific Region. Justin has a passion in building teams, mentoring and developing employees to assist them to operate at a higher level, working on continuous improvement initiatives to strive for better business outcomes. Working to improve a more diverse work force through managing recruitment selection criteria to reflect the communities we operate in and helping to foster safer working culture by allowing teams to evolve in their BlueScope safety journey. Justin enjoys the dynamic nature of a leadership role and keeping involved in all facets of running a business and networking with key stakeholders to further develop his own skills and the broader team within the organisation.

A founding member of the Chamber since inception in August 2012, and a Board member as Secretary. A retired Senior Finance Officer for TELCOM and prior to that, also Senior Finance Officer for Development Bank of Tuvalu, Became Chamber CEO in 2020 to administer the daily affairs of the organization to deliver support services to the businesses. Besides that, supports in running own family food catering business.

Kevin Chard is CEO of Pacific Marine Group and has held this role since 2012.  Qualifications include a Bachelor of Commerce from University of Wollongong and Executive MBA from University of NSW. He has held several senior management roles in various industries as well as Universities and public health. While at PMG Kevin has overseen the growth of the company’s activities in PNG and the Pacific region.  This growth has been in both aid funded programs as well as resource industries.

Lucas Blight is GHD’s Director of Future Energy for the Asia Region as well as regularly helping clients in the Pacific.  He is a key member of GHD’s Global Future Energy team.

Lucas‘s relationship with future energy dates back over 15 years to an onsite role on the Waterloo Wind Farm in South Australia. That project bought about a passion for the future energy space that has resulted in his full focus on this critical sector. Lucas specialises in advising clients in all aspects of their future energy journey, and project delivery for all forms of renewable energy, energy integration projects, transmission & distribution, and future fuels.

Lucas is currently leading the project implementation consultant for the Nauru Solar Power Development Project, having been involved with the project from feasibility, procurement, and project delivery.

Omar Aziz is Division Manager (Director) of the Development Economics & Prosperity Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), New Zealand. He oversees New Zealand’s international development cooperation across macroeconomics, governance/institutions, infrastructure, energy, industry and private-sector engagement and digital government sectors. He was previously MFAT’s Chief Development Economist and Head of Governance and Economics in the Pacific and Development Group. Prior to joining MFAT, Omar was Acting Chief Economist at the Ministry of Health, advising on New Zealand’s response to COVID-19, and held senior economic advisory roles at the Reserve Bank of New Zealand and the New Zealand Treasury. He is a graduate of Auckland, London and Harvard universities.

Paul Finch left New Zealand and went to Nauru in December 2000 to oversee the construction of a stadium and accommodation facilities for the World Weightlifting Championships that were proposed to be held in Nauru in September 2001.
Unfortunately this event was not held but Paul saw a number of construction and project management opportunities.                                                                                                                               
Twenty three years later the opportunities still keep coming and the business has grown and moved in various directions.
With a focus on finding solutions, striving for perfection and encouraging teamwork Paul has had the privilege of  helping establish and develop the Nauru Chamber of Commerce, the primary agency for the development of, building up and strengthening of the private sector on Nauru.
Paul has a passion to help people develop to their full potential and give back to the community in which they live.
Paul is married to Krystalmaine, a Nauruan and they have seven children and nine grandchildren.

Raed is a Director of RLB in Queensland. He joined RLB in 2007, and has 30 years’ experience working in construction sectors including geotechnical, commercial, infrastructure, marine, development and industrial projects. Since then, Raed has built a highly capable and growing infrastructure team servicing some of Queensland’s highest profile projects and clients. Among his most recognisable projects are Inland Rail and Brisbane Metro.

Raed holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering.

Rajeev Sharma is the Chief Executive Officer of the National Superannuation Fund Limited of Papua New Guinea Limited (Nasfund). Prior to his appointment as CEO on the 1st of April 2023, he served as the Chief Operating Officer. Rajeev joined Nasfund on the 16th of October 2014 as the Chief Financial Officer until his appointment as Chief Operating Officer in February 2022. With over 30 years of experience of working with big corporates, multinational companies and financial institutions, Rajeev has held senior roles in PNG since 2002, as well as in India and the Middle East. Rajeev holds a Bachelor’s Degree with Honours in Commerce from Delhi University, India. He is recognised as a Chartered Accountant with memberships on CPA PNG, India and Australia. Rajeev is a graduate of Australian Institute of Company Directors, and a member of Papua New Guinea Institute of Directors.

Redle Killion was one of the founding members of the FSM Association of Chambers of Commerce (FSMACC) which was established in 2011 as a premier private sector organization primarily o enhance cooperation and collaboration between the governments and private sector throughout the FSM. Prior to that, Mr Killion had been an active member of te Chuuk State Chamber of Commerce since 2017 which is a member of the FSMACC organisation. 

Redley Killion had served in the FSM National Congress from 1987 to 1999 after which he became the 6th Vice President of FSM from 1999 to 2007. As a senator, Mr Killion served as vice chairman of the Ways and Means Committee and chairman of the Resources and Development. As FSM Vice President, Redley Killion undertook major tasks for furthering the FSM government's efforts to enhance its developmen program throughout the FSM. 

After leaving political office, Redley Killion had served on other numerous boards and commission including the FSM Petroleum Corporation, Chuuk State Health Care Plan, Chuuk Conservation Society and few others. Mr Killion was selected as one of three (3) members of the team which review the Pacific Plan in 2013. Such plan was adopted by the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders in 2005 as the Pacific region's strategy for strengthening cooperation and integration between the Pacific countries.

Rob Jauncey is the Chief Investment Officer for the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP).  Since being established in mid-2019, AIFFP has now signed 12 projects in 9 countries valued at over A$1.2 billion.  Prior to joining AIFFP, Rob spent 20 years with the Asian Development Bank and World Bank, including as ADB’s Regional Director for the South Pacific (20014-2018) and as the World Bank’s Regional Coordinator for the Pacific (2009-2014).  In these roles, Rob was involved in mobilizing almost A$2 billion in new financing for the Pacific, including for major infrastructure projects such as the South Tarawa road in Kiribati, the Avatiu port in Cook Islands, ICT cables to Samoa and Tonga, airport runway construction and rehabilitation in several countries, and the construction of over 30 MW of renewable energy generation. 

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Rob Jauncey is the Chief Investment Officer for the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP).  Since being established in mid-2019, AIFFP has now signed 10 projects in 8 countries valued at A$1 billion.  Prior to joining AIFFP, Rob spent 20 years with the Asian Development Bank and World Bank, including as ADB’s Regional Director for the South Pacific (20014-2018) and as the World Bank’s Regional Coordinator for the Pacific (2009-2014).  In these roles, Rob was involved in mobilizing almost A$2 billion in new financing for the region including for major infrastructure projects such as the South Tarawa road in Kiribati, the Avatiu port in Cook Islands, ICT cables to Samoa and Tonga, airport runway construction and rehabilitation in several countries, and the construction of over 30 MW of renewable energy generation. 

Over his 30 years in the industry, Scott has developed an enviable breadth of port and maritime experience, in Australia and internationally. From project planning to delivery of port-related infrastructure projects, his considerable strategic and executive experience is related to defence, government, and private sector business, particularly in the maritime and aviation sectors.

Most recently, Scott worked on an $85 million project to develop a new port for the island nation of Nauru—demonstrating his wholistic skillset in trade forecasting, supply chain, navigational assessment, coastal processes, and environmental performance. His work also included greenhouse assessments, infrastructure design, and construction management. Uniquely, the project also involved his expertise in organisational planning, regulations, and finance.

In his spare time, Scott reinvests in the industry through participation on boards and representation for the region on the international Maritime Navigation Committee. He’s one of approximately 45 country and regional representatives globally, facilitating guidelines for the maritime industry.

Sean O’Sullivan leads the Pacific Region Infrastructure Facility (PRIF) coordination office. PRIF is a multi-development partner coordination and technical assistance facility for improved infrastructure in the Pacific region. It involves eight development partners coordinating their infrastructure support to Pacific Island countries. Prior to his present role he had a 30-year career in international development with the Asian Development Bank with a primary focus on infrastructure. He was director general of one of the bank’s regional departments covering 10 countries in central and west Asia and sectors including transport, energy, urban services, irrigation, social services, and finance. He held other senior management positions in ADB’s strategy and policy department and portfolio, procurement and financial management department and spent many years as a practitioner, as infrastructure director, and as an infrastructure economist leading project processing teams including work in the Pacific.

Hon Seve Paeniu, who is the Tuvalu Minister of Finance, is a development economist by training and profession. He holds a bachelor of commerce degree and masters in economics. He has over 20 years of experience across the Pacific region on public policy, national sustainable development planning, and public financial management. He had served as chief executive of the finance ministry in Tuvalu and Nauru; he was a Tuvalu high commissioner to Fiji; the sustainable development adviser at SPREP; and more recently the chief executive and head of the Pacific regional Oceania Customs Organization (OCO). In his current portfolio as Minister of Finance, Hon Paeniu is also the Minister responsible for climate change. And as such, he has been appointed the Pacific Political Climate Champion for loss and damage since 2021. As Minister of Finance, he represents Tuvalu on the Boards of Governors of the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank

Simon is a construction professional who  has managed projects across the world He has significant experience in international disaster settings and complex emergencies as well as traditional large scale infrastructure. He has spent time working on and leading projects in Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Tonga, Samoa, PNG, Indonesia, Federated State of Micronesia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Rwanda, Somalia, and Sri Lanka. His work career also involved stints in Hong Kong,  New York as well as his current role in Australia.

Simon is the Managing Director of the Reeves Envico Group. He was one of the founders of CCB Envico which carries out complex Water and Environmental projects both in Australia and throughout Asia Pacific and director in Reeves International which focuses on the execution of Infrastructure projects throughout the Pacific region.

In this role, Sohaib provides leadership and oversees management of more than 200 frontline bankers who support around 3,000 corporate, multinational and government clients across eight Pacific countries. Specialising in broad industry segments including tourism, FMCG, energy and infrastructure, agribusiness and commercial property, Sohaib is highly regarded for his ability to structure complex lending, managing unique customer and market variables. Sohaib has lived and worked in the Pacific since 2013 and is passionate about the challenges and opportunities across these emerging markets, as well as providing industry insight and links into Australia and New Zealand. He has held a number of senior roles including ANZ Head of Research and Analysis Pacific, ANZ Country Head, Solomon Islands and ANZ Head of Commercial Banking, Samoa, Tonga and Cook Islands. Prior to this, Sohaib worked in Corporate Banking at ANZ in Melbourne and PNG, and in Credit Risk roles with the BP Group. He has a Bachelor of Accounting and Finance and Bachelor of Business (Management) from Monash University. Specialities: credit and deal structuring, business transformation, risk management, strategy development and execution, policy and governance, banking in markets across the Pacific region, people leadership through significant change

Steve Anderson has been active in the energy sector in the Cook Islands since the 1970s, initially in outer islands electrification. He was a director of Rarotonga's Electricity Authority 2007-’18, overseeing the upgrade of the aging power station to an efficient, fully automated operation, plus  roll-out of various renewable energy projects, and engaging private-sector participation through net-metering and independent power producers. He is a director and past-President of the Chamber of Commerce, and sits on various regulatory boards and government advisory committees. His businesses include property development, contracting, solar energy, and currently implementing the country’s first pumped hydro storage project. He holds an MBA in Energy and Sustainability, and has been instrumental in establishing electrical standards and accredited training in the Cook Islands. He is dedicated to ensuring that renewable energy is financially sustainable, appropriate and beneficial for the community, and stimulates the economy through public/private partnerships, import-substitution and high-tech local employment.

Simon is the Managing Director of the Reeves Envico Group. He was one of the founders of CCB Envico which carries out complex Water and Environmental projects both in Australia and throughout Asia Pacific and director in Reeves International which focuses on the execution of Infrastructure projects throughout the Pacific region.

Steve Knode is the Regional Senior Commercial Officer (RSCO) for Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Island Countries (PICs), based in Sydney.  A member of the Senior Foreign Service, he has previously served as Deputy Senior Commercial Officer (DSCO) at the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo, Japan, Senior Commercial Officer (SCO) for U.S. Commercial Service (USCS) in Pakistan, based in Karachi, and the head of USCS in São Paulo, Brazil.  Part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, USCS is the principal trade and investment promotion agency of the U.S. government.

Steve has held a variety of other postings with USCS, including as a commercial officer at the Long Island Export Assistance Center (Old Westbury, New York) and the U.S. Embassy in Budapest, Hungary. Steve also worked at the U.S. Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for the United States-Asia Environmental Partnership (US-AEP), a U.S. government program jointly funded by Commerce and USAID to promote U.S. environmental technologies.

Steve started his career in the public relations industry, working with Ogilvy Adams & Rinehart (now Ogilvy PR) and other agencies. 

He received a B.A. in political science from Denison University and an MBA from Cornell University (Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management).

Born on 2 June 1975 in Noumea, Hon. Vaimu'a MULIAVA is the New Caledonia Minister responsible for digital transition, the development of technological innovation, coordinating and monitoring the construction, property assets and resources, town planning and housing sectors. Minister Muliava is also responsible for the public service sector and the modernisation of public action. In liaison with the New Caledonia President, he helps to monitor relations with the French territories in the Pacific.

Minister Mulliava became a member of the New Caledonia government in May 2019 and is best known for his work in relation to promoting and developing regional standards to allow better cooperation among Pacific Island Countries and Territories. Minister Muliava also had a significant impact in modernising the public service through the introduction of a range of measures designed to streamline and increase digitalisation in the public service as well as adopt a more client-focused approach.

Among his actions to foster and facilitate the development of an innovative tech and digital ecosystem, we count his contribution in 2019, to create a French Tech label in New Caledonia to help promote innovative initiatives in the region and beyond. In 2022, he organised the international Oceanian Geospatial Symposium, dedicated to space-based imagery, observation and geomatics in the Pacific region, and opened Station N, a tech innovation hub for start-ups, investors and decision-makers. The same year, he launched a project, co-sponsored by the New Caledonian Government and the French IT security agency, to create a regional  cybersecurity resources centre which will aim to centralise and reference all initiatives, indicators and players, raise awareness about cybersecurity, provide advice, contacts and guidance to victims .

Minister Muliava attended one of the top French universities, Pantheon-Sorbonne, where he completed a Master Degree in Conservation of National Cultural Heritage, before attending the prestigious HEC Business School to complete an Executive Advanced Master in Strategic Business Unit Management. Minister Muliava then joined the New Caledonian public service to manage a portfolio of strategic projects, including large-scale public works projects, and advise the departmental head. As a qualified archeologist, Minister Muliava has shared his technical expertise and is widely published . 

Minister Muliava also spent time overseas, for various work experience in France, Hawaï, Japan, and Australia. While in France, he led missions in Africa, Asia and Oceania. His Oceanian heritage combined with the richness and diversity of exchanges drawn from his international and multicultural experiences,  strengthened his belief that it was through international cooperation that New Caledonia could build sustainable development. His political party ‘The Oceanian awakening’ (Éveil Océanien) stems from the need to consolidate ‘New Caledonia’s oceanity’ by bridging its roots of cultural tradition and the ambition for a modern and connected regional integration.

Vince Pérez is Co-Founder and Chairman of Alternergy, a listed Philippine renewable company in wind, hydro, solar and battery systems, and through its subsidiary, Solar Pacific, built the Palau solar battery plant. He was Philippine Energy Minister from June 2001 to March 2005. In early 2001, he was Deputy Minister at the Department of Trade and Industry and was Vice Chairman of the National Renewable Energy Board from 2009 to 2010. Prior to his government service, Vince had an extensive investment banking career with Lazard investment bank in London, New York and Singapore. He was Chairman of WWF-Philippines and Trustee of WWF-International. Vince obtained an MBA from the Wharton Business School and a Bachelor's Degree in Business Economics from the University of the Philippines. He was a World Fellow at Yale University, where he lectured an MBA class on renewable energy in emerging countries.

Experienced in large-scale infrastructure projects such as railway systems and heavy industrial plants around the world, Yu Saito first joined the culture of the Pacific Islands with Nadzab Tomodachi International Airport Redevelopment Project (A Japanese Official Development Assistance Loan Project) in Lae, PNG in a project management role for Dai Nippon Construction (DNC), a Japanese general contractor with extensive experience in the Pacific. Now, he focuses in developing infrastructure project throughout the Pacific, concentrating on both Japanese Grant Aid and loan projects. Recently, his team was awarded hydro power station and bridge construction projects in Vanuatu. Saito actively travels around the Pacific to look after the needs of the people there.

Zahid Iqbal joined SMEC as a young Civil Engineering graduate in 2004. He was appointed as the Country Manager in Afghanistan in 2007 at about the time SMEC was becoming involved in its massive rehabilitation work. When the position of Regional Manager for the Pacific was vacated, Zahid was immediately chosen. He relocated to Port Moresby in July 2010. Zahid was awarded the SMEC Global Employee of the Year Medal in 2011 in recognition to his outstanding contribution to the Company. As Regional Manager – Pacific, a position Zahid still holds today, he is responsible for the management and development of SMEC’s consulting operations within the Region in line with SMEC’s Strategic and Regional Business Plans. Zahid is fully familiar with the consultancy requirements in countries in the Asia-Pacific, South Asia, and of the multilateral funding agencies like WB, ADB, EIB, AIFFP and the DFAT – Australia. MFAT – NZ.

Mrs Edea Bouraga is a Mechanical Engineer and a Director of CMP PNG Ltd, an engineering and consultancy business. She holds a Master of Engineering Management (MEM) degree from the University of Newcastle, NSW in Australia, a Diploma in Management from the Divine Word University, Madang and a Bachelor of Engineering Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the PNG University of Technology, Lae.

Edea is a registered Mechanical Engineer (RegEngineer) with the Professional Engineers Registration Board (PERB) of PNG, a Fellow (FIEPNG) of the Institution of Engineers of PNG Inc. (IEPNG). She is the Chair of the PERB and President of the Council of IEPNG. She is the current Chair of Women in Engineering PNG (WIE). She became the first Registered Competence Based Assessment (CBA) Assessor for the Institution of Engineers Papua New Guinea in 2017.

Mrs Bouraga is also part of the Project Team of her church, the Reformation Ministries and Churches Network (RMCN) City of Glory Church (COGC) in Port Moresby. She is committed to seeing these multi-million Kina Church Infrastructure Development projects realized through faith in God with a resolute conviction that “With God ALL things are possible”.

She is passionate about Engineering and in particular the development of Ethical Professional Engineers in PNG. She firmly believes that PNG can, in the near future become the Worlds’ Best Engineers producing country, particularly women engineers.

Allison Haworth West is the Executive Chair of Captain Cook Cruises Fiji Islands.  The company is a pioneer in authentic Fiji experiences offering small ship expedition cruises to remote locations currently on board MV Reef Endeavour and from November 2023 on board luxury expedition small ship MS Caledonian Sky.  In addition, the company also operates Day and Dinner experiences, charters and events with a fleet of three sailing vessels plus the company’s own Tivua Private Island.

Allison is the President of the Australia Fiji Business Council, has a degree in Business Management from the University of Technology Sydney, sits on the board of trustees of the Lizard Island Reef Research Foundation, is a graduate of the Institute of Company Directors and is an Ambassador for CMH Heliskiing in Canada. 

Graduate of the University of Auckland, New Zealand, Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting & Management Studies) Proprietor and practitioner of R. Albin Johansson & Co, Public Accountants & Business Consultant, for the last 20 years of a 40-year-old family-owned accountancy practice. Served as Chairman of the Tonga Communications Corporation for 4 years, following 2 years as Deputy Chairman of the ICT Board, and 4 years as a Director of Tonga Water Board. Served as Executive Director/Interim Chairman of the Tonga Rugby Union Authority for 2 years and later as an Independent Director of the Oceania Rugby Board Served on the Council of the University of South Pacific (USP) as a co-opted member for 9 years, concurrently serving 6 years as Chairman of Finance and Investment Committee and 3 years as Deputy Chair and Deputy Pro Chancellor of the Council of USP. Continue to serve as an executive of the Tonga Chamber of Commerce and Tonga Red Cross Society Inc, for the past 20 years. Currently serve as a Director of the Tonga Development Bank (Chairman of the Audit & Risk Committee), director of the National Retirement Benefit Fund and a member of the Public Service Tribunal. Serve on several committees of the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga, chairing the Audit & Risk Committee. Currently Honorary Consul of Sweden culminating 21 years. Awarded by His Majesty King Gustav of Sweden, the insignia of Member First Class of the Royal Order of the Polar Star in November 2018. (This medal is conferred on foreign nationals in recognition of personal services to Sweden or promotion of Swedish interests)

Annette Jones is a senior principal and technical fellow in the Beca Design Practice (Urban Design). With extensive experience working in the North and South Pacific regions, Annette is deeply passionate about collaborating with communities to create meaningful and sustainable urban spaces. Annette brings over 25 years of built-form expertise to her work. She has been involved in numerous multidisciplinary projects that integrate land use and transportation planning, showcasing her ability to navigate complex design challenges. Annette's firsthand knowledge and experience collaborating with engineering, planning, and landscape disciplines have proven invaluable throughout the design stages of various projects. Her contributions highlight her ability to work at different scales – from creating engaging experiences at a human scale to considering the larger contextual factors. Annette's dedication to enhancing the built environment through innovative urban design solutions sets her apart as a respected leader in the field.

Annika Lane is a principal within the Beca Community Shaping Team. Annika offers comprehensive policy, strategic, and spatial planning advisory services to central and local government clients across New Zealand and the Pacific. With a career spanning over 25 years, she has gained substantial expertise as a people manager and leader, while also possessing deep technical knowledge in law, policy, and strategic planning. Annika's vast work experience extends throughout the South Pacific region, providing her with valuable insights into diverse contexts and challenges. Having worked closely with various government entities, she understands the intricacies of policymaking processes and possesses strong analytical skills to ensure pragmatic solutions are developed. Annika's ability to integrate legal acumen with strategic thinking enables her to provide nuanced advice to clients on complex issues related to spatial planning, ensuring the sustainable development of communities. Through her commitment to excellence and her broad range of skills, Annika consistently delivers high-quality outcomes for her clients in both public and private sectors.

Catherine was born on Niue and educated in Wellington, NZ. Background in Commercial Law and Finance she worked in NZ and in Samoa before returning home to Niue in 2005. Since being back on Niue, Catherine has always been involved in the Niue Chamber of Commerce in some way or another as she has held President for several terms, as well as being on the regional Pacific Island Private Sector Organisations (PIPSO)Board, she is still a member on other Niue Govt. Boards.  Catherine has a passion to provide help in any way possible to help local businesses to grow as well as assisting in securing potential investors to Niue and thereby contribute to Niue’s economic growth. As the first locally appointed CEO for Niue Chamber of Commerce her work aim is to achieve –“Niue Ke Monuina” through a prosperous and skilled nation underpinned by a thriving and entrepreneurial private sector.  environment

Cecile Chamboredon has been Director of New Caledonia Trade and Invest since February 2020.

After graduating in business administration in France and completing a thesis at Osaka University on the management of Japanese SMEs, she joined a major Japanese electronics group (Sharp) as an industrial buyer. She worked in purchasing in the mechanical engineering, electronics, automotive and luxury sectors before leaving Europe and moving to New Caledonia in 2009.

At NCT&I her and her team based in Suva (Fjii) supports New Caledonian companies in all sectors in their international, export and invest in and out New Caledonia initiatives.

Christina graduated from university as a Civil Engineer in 2010 and worked for a tier 1 builder for 5 years before stepping into the concrete pumping world. She now works for De Martin & Gasparini, a leading south east Queensland concrete supply, pump and place contractor on a range of projects across SE QLD. Christina joined NAWIC in 2011.  After years of volunteering on the NAWIC QLD chapter she was elected to the National Board in 2017 and then Chair of the Board at the start of 2022. Christina is passionate about giving people who aren't working in construction (and girls in particular) access to tools and information that can educate and make them aware of the vast range of opportunities that exist in construction. She is always encouraging those that are in the industry to speak up when they encounter injustice and also loves to hear and share tough and inspiring stories and celebrating the amazing achievements of the women and their allies in the construction industry.

Emma advises and supports DFAT’s infrastructure investment teams to maximise local industry participation and skills development in AIFFP-financed projects. Emma has over 20 years experience designing and implementing international development programs, with expertise in developing local content strategies and plans; undertaking labour market and industry capability assessments; developing procurement strategies and forging strategic partnerships to maximise local participation outcomes. Prior to her current role, Emma worked as a labour market consultant, senior procurement practitioner and in various diplomatic and senior management roles in government, private sector and non-profit organisations across the Asia Pacific region.

Erika Olson is the Deputy Chief of Mission for the United States in Australia, where she manages the U.S.-Australia bilateral relationship through the Embassy in Canberra and Consulates in Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth.  From 2021-2023, she held the post of Deputy Assistant Secretary of State overseeing policy for Southern Europe and the Caucasus.  As Director for Regional Political Military Affairs in Europe she guided U.S. participation at NATO and the OSCE.  From 2019-2021 she directed the Office of Northern Europe, the Baltics, and Arctic Security. 

While serving as Economic Counselor for the United States Mission in Turkey from 2016-2019, she won the Department’s Herbert Salzman Award for Excellence in International Economic Performance.  She has also served at U.S. Embassies in Slovakia, Georgia, Uzbekistan, and the Kyrgyz Republic, as well as in Washington as Senior Advisor/ Acting Chief of Staff to the Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources and in the Secretary of State’s Operation Center.  Prior to joining the Foreign Service, Ms. Olson worked alongside Ambassador Robert Oakley at the National Defense University on conflict and resilience.  She advised the Director General of the Foreign Commercial Service and worked for Microsoft and the Mitsui Corporation. 

Erika holds a M.A. in Foreign Affairs from The George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs and a B.A. with Honors in psychology and Japanese studies from Whitman College. 

Evonne Kennedy is the Executive Director for the PNG Business Coalition for Women (BCFW). Ms Kennedy joined BCFW in 2018 and has played an integral role in setting up the Coalition as an independent local organization, working with and for the private sector in Papua New Guinea (PNG).  BCFW assists PNG’s private sector to recruit, retain, develop, and promote women – as employees, leaders, customers and business partners.  Member organisations have exclusive access to relevant and practical tools, model policies, good practices, case studies and other resources to help them make the most of their female talent, while promoting more opportunities for women’s economic empowerment and career development.  The coalition knows that having a diverse workforce is smart business; innovation is increased through diverse perspectives optimising understanding of ways to address and meet the needs of diverse communities. 

Young woman in entrepreneurship, native from Tahiti, graduated from the ESSEC Business School, I have developed the field of communication and corporate events in Tahiti 13 years ago. Also CEO of a MICE and leisure Groups Travel company (Tahiti Expert DMC), my goal is to foster connections between our island and worldwide companies.

I’m also coordinating the French Polynesia Regional Group (FPRG) which gather more than 30 000 SME and medium size companies.  The FPRG is gathering all 3 employer’s trade union: the MEDEF, CPME and the chamber of commerce.

Our goal is to allow Polynesian experts (besides exporters) to develop strategic partnership in the Pacific to enhance Trade and foreign direct investment

Katrina Murison, is Lead Adviser – Infrastructure within the Pacific Development Group at the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT). In this role Katrina provides technical and strategic advice and sector leadership on the shape and direction of the infrastructure portfolio. She works closely with bilateral teams, New Zealand, Pacific and regional stakeholders and development partners to support New Zealand’s engagement across the sector. Katrina has experience working in private, public and not-for-profit sectors across Australia, New Zealand and Asia-Pacific. She is a Chartered Engineer, with a Bachelor of Civil and Environmental Engineering from Queensland University of Technology, and a Masters of Integrated Water Management from University of Queensland. Katrina is passionate about the role infrastructure plays in improving people’s lives and the environment.

Ltelatk Harriet Fritz currently serves as President of the Palau Chamber of Commerce (PCOC) for CY-2023. Miss Fritz has been a member of the PCOC since 2015 and has assumed an active role since joining the board of directors in 2019, including implementing projects and conducting workshops for PCOC members and non-member entrepreneurs within the community.

The Palau Chamber of Commerce is a non-government organization chartered in the Republic of Palau, since 1992, with a mission to promote and advocate for businesses operating in Palau’s private sector.  The organization, PCOC, operates on funding from membership dues and grants. Since the global pandemic, PCOC has not fully recovered in terms of membership but has been able to operate with grants for project activities in the area of climate resilience and anti-corruption activities. But this has not deterred the spirit of PCOC and its current board of directors, each pitching in and volunteering to maintain PCOC’s role in social dialogue with the public sector.

Mary is based in ADB’s Pacific Liaison Coordination Office in Sydney where she leads on projects and technical assistance on climate change including the Pacific Disaster Resilience Program and the Blue Pacific Finance Hub., while working on country programming in Pacific island countries.

Mary has extensive experience in development policy, the Pacific region and climate change issues, with over 10 years’ experience in the Australian public service including at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Department of Climate Change. She holds a Master of International Law from the University of Sydney and a Master of Environmental Management and Development from the Australian National University.

Pauline joined the French Development Agency (AFD)’s office for the Pacific, based in Noumea, New Caledonia, in August 2022 as Policy Officer.

Pauline works within AFD’s regional office aiming to support Pacific island countries and territories regarding the implementation of their sustainable development goals aligned with the Blue Pacific 2050 Strategy and the Paris Agreement. More specifically, she develops AFD’s portfolio of projects, grants and loans, especially in Fiji and across various topics related to ocean, gender and infrastructures.

Prior to joining AFD’s Pacific Regional Office, Pauline was since 2018 a task team leader within the Microfinance Division of PROPARCO, AFD’s subsidiary dedicated to the financing of the private sector. She was responsible for originating, structuring and executing loans to microfinance institutions in emerging and developing countries and especially in Least Developed Countries.

Pauline holds a Master degree in Finance from Sciences Po Paris.

Rachael Nurvue is the founder of the Papua New Guinea Women In Construction Association (PNGWIC). PNGWIC came from Rachael’s aspiration in National Women In Construction (NAWIC) Australia when she first joined NAWIC as a student member during her study of master's in Construction Practice at Bond University, Gold Coast through the Australia Award Scholarship.

PNGWIC is co-founded by the Lae Chamber of Commerce, Johnstaff International Development, Lae City Authority, and PNG University of Technology and supports the PNG Government 2050 vision and the UN sustainable development goals by fostering the increase of women participation in male-dominated fields such as Construction. PNGWIC encourages women including women living with special needs to consider and access career opportunities in the construction industry. PNGWIC drives its initiative through education training/awareness and networking events and advocates for employers to improve accessibility for women and girls to enter and remain in the construction industry.

Sophie Boucaut is the Chief Operating Officer for Johnstaff International Development (JID). JID is part of the Johnstaff group, who have delivered over 1100 projects totalling AUD $45 billion over the past 30 years. In PNG, JID are the managing contractor leading the AUD $250mil ANGAU Hospital Redevelopment Project, and also a founding member of PNG Women in Construction. Sophie has 12+ years of experience in the international development sector, with a specialisation in front-line response to humanitarian crises. She has designed and delivered aid programs across the Pacific, SE Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. Sophie holds a Masters of International Development Studies.

Susil joined the Institute of Banking & Business Management (PNG IBBM) as Chief Executive Officer during January 2023. Previously Susil was employed in various senior executive management roles with ExxonMobil PNG, Previous roles include Media & Communications Manager (2020-2022), Public Policy & Issues Manager (2018-2020) and National Content Manager (2015-2018).

She is the President of the Business Council of PNG, an organisation that represents the private sectorin PNG across all sectors, promoting the importance and role of economic growth, freedom and enterprise.  Susil is also the Chair of Incentive Fund, an Australian and Papua New Guinean government partnership that supports well-managed organisations to access funding for innovative projects that have a strong development impact for the people of Papua New Guinea.

Other directorships include being on Pacific Women Lead regional board, one of the largest global commitments to gender equality, and serves on the Board of the Centre for Excellence in Financial Inclusion (CEFI).

Susil holds a Bachelor of Commerce, Canterbury University, New Zealand, and a Masters of Business Administration from Divine Word University, Papua New Guinea. 

With over 25 years of experience in various industries, Tory Richards is a seasoned leader and entrepreneur. She has held diverse roles as a Non-Executive Director, CEO, and Owner in several organizations, from marine civils and commercial law to funds management. She has also co-founded and led successful startups, shaping their vision and strategy.

Tory has been a long-standing Non-executive Director of Hall Contracting, a leading Australian dredging, marine and civil contracting company with a compelling history of successful infrastructure projects throughout Australia, SE Asia and the Pacific.   She has successfully completed multiple capital raisings and corporate restructuring projects in her advisory company Pearl Property Group.  She served as a director of RFML and Australian Unity Property Funds Management, bringing her expertise in funds and portfolio asset management. Additionally, she co-founded Argon Law, a boutique commercial law firm that combines legal excellence with business acumen.

Tory is not only a savvy businesswoman, but also a talented sculptor.  She has created stunning bronze public installations that showcase her artistic sensibility. She was awarded the “Businesswoman of the Year – Corporate (Qld)” by Telstra in 2008, and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, demonstrating her proficiency in governance and leadership. Tory is a well-rounded professional who blends strategic thinking with a genuine passion for business, community and the arts.

Tim Ayres is the Assistant Minister for Trade and Assistant Minister for Manufacturing in the Albanese Labor Government.

He was elected as a Senator for New South Wales in the 2019 election. During the 46th Parliament, he was Chair of the Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Public Administration and Member of the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Joint Standing Committee. He led the work of several Select Inquiries including a Senate report on the capability of the Australian Public Service.

He was appointed as Assistant Minister for Trade and Assistant Minister for Manufacturing in June 2022, after the election of the Labor Government led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

Before entering Parliament, Tim spent twenty-four years in the trade union movement, representing the interests of workers across a variety of sectors including manufacturing, defence, food processing, aviation and metal industries.

Hon Crossley Tatui is currently serving his second term as a Minister, for Finance, Ministry of Infrastructure, and the Private Sector.

Hon Tatui became a Common Roll Member in the Niue Assembly in 2011, but before that he was a Secretary of Government and Director of Community Affairs.

Hon Tatui holds a BA in Management/Public Administration and Accounting from the University of the South Pacific in Fiji, as well as a Diploma in Governance from the McGills University in Canada.

If Hon Tatui is not working, he will be volunteering as a lay preacher in his community of Hakupu Village. He also enjoys planting on his plantation, reading, and spending time with his grandchildren.

Hiroshi Vitus Yamamura was born and raised on Majuro, Marshall Islands the Capitol City of the Republic of the Marshall Islands.  He is currently Minister of Public Works or Infrastructures and Utilities.

Education

Minister Hiroshi V. Yamamura attended and graduated from a Catholic Elementary School called, Assumption School; attended Marshall Islands High School for three years and later skipped 12 grade and transferred to United States International University in Maui, Hawaii and its main campus is in San Diego, California; attended and graduated with AA Degree in general Studies from College of the Canyons in Valencia, California; attended California State University Northridge; and attended and graduated with BS degree majoring in Secondary Education and MS degree majoring in Interdisciplinary studies from Western Oregon University, Monmouth, Oregon.

Early Career

After successful completing his Education career, Minister Hiroshi V. Yamamura, returned to his country and sharing his talent with the Marshallese people in every capacity he can offer.  He was an English Instructor at the Assumption High School; an English instructor at the College of Micronesia at an extended campus on Majuro, Marshall Islands; and later the founding political father of the Republic of the Marshall Islands/RMI, His Excellency Amata Kabua, President of RMI appointed him to a new created post as Presidential Aide.

Political Career

Search for Republic of the Marshall Islands Constitution for the overview of its government.  After serving Late President Amata Kabua as Presidential Aide, Minister Hiroshi V. Yamamura ran in 1988 and won one of 33 senatorial seats in the RMI unicameral Parliament/"Nitijela" representing the Utrõk atoll and have been a senator ever since for a total of 35 years. Utrõk atoll is one of the four atolls in RMI that was and is still severely contaminated by the US 67 nuclear bombs detonated in Bikini and Enewetak Atolls since 1945 until 1958.  Currently, he is the chairman of the four nuclear affected atolls-Bikini, Enewetak, Rongelap, and Utrõk. During his 35 years of serving his people in the RMI Parliament/"Nitijela" as a senator and/or minister, first he was appointed by the speaker of the Parliament/"Nitijela" for many terms he served as the chairman of Parliament Standing Committees on the Nitijela Judiciary and Governmental Relations, chairman of Nitijela Standing Committee of Public Account, and currently serving as a member on the "Nitijela" Standing Committee on Appropriation Committee. In several other terms he served in the Parliament/"Nitijela," he was appointed by various RMI Presidents as the Minister of Public Works in three different terms and a Minister of Internal Affairs of the other term he served in the parliament.  He is also currently the Chairman of Marshall Government Islands State Own Enterprises/SOE's such as Marshall Islands Energy Company/MEC, Kwajelain Atoll Utility Resources/KAJUR, and Marshall Islands Water and Sewer Company/MWSC.  As a political leader, he has successfully made so many accomplishments for his government, country, and the people he serves.  In the international political arena he has tirelessly appear before many US Congressional committees advocating nuclear justice for his constituents and had delivered former President Imata Kabua's statement before one of the UN General Assemblies.  For further information on my biography, you can inquire through my email as provided above.