COVID-19 restrictions and international lockdowns have pushed Pacific island businesses to explore new opportunities to provide goods and services online and participate in the global online supply chain.
The 2020 Pacific Islands Export survey conducted by Pacific Trade Invest(PTI) using data collated from 226 Pacific, revealed exporters are using digital online channels to grow their businesses.
PTI Pacific Trade Commissioner Caleb Jarvis said the move to online has accelerated as a result of the pandemic.
A separate survey tracking the impact of COVID-19 shows 26 percent of Fiji businesses have pivoted to do or sell more online since the pandemic hit.
“PTI Australia will continue to help exporters grow their online presence by providing data, knowledge, training and technology making them more resilient to external shocks. It’s critical that solutions are found to key challenges such as access to affordable online payment solutions, cross-border payments and cost-effective small parcel logistic services.”
PTI Pacific Trade Commissioner Caleb Jarvis
The Trade Commissioner added that during this pandemic PTI provides support on educating businesses on becoming digital and sharing information through surveys and webinars.
PTI is an agency of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat which facilitates connections and supports private sector growth in the Pacific Islands.
