Norfolk Island International Airport (NLK), located in Burnt Pine on Norfolk Island, is an important aviation hub connecting New Zealand and Australia. The airport features two runways and offers flights to Auckland, Brisbane, and Sydney, making it an ideal starting point for exploring this beautiful island.
The WCO-JICA MTP project empowers Pacific Island customs administrations by developing local trainers and regional training materials to enhance customs capabilities. The third working group activity was held in Fiji, focusing on strengthening regional collaboration and ensuring sustainable capacity building within the customs administrations of the Pacific Island countries. The project aims to improve customs efficiency and effectiveness through tailored training programs and resources, ultimately contributing to economic growth and security in the region.
Since 2025, international trade capacity in the Pacific region has decreased by 11% due to the uncertainty of US tariff policies. Shipping companies are responding by adjusting capacity and canceling sailings, but the fundamental issue lies in the direction of trade policy and changes in demand. The shipping industry faces challenges and needs to closely monitor the market and flexibly adjust strategies. Shippers also need to strengthen risk management.
Union Pacific Railroad has significantly reduced transit times for its cross-border intermodal service with Canadian National and Grupo México Transportes through operational improvements, particularly on the Eagle Pass to Chicago route. This initiative aims to enhance North American trade efficiency, address market competition, and capitalize on nearshoring opportunities, solidifying its market position. The optimized operations are expected to provide faster and more reliable service for customers, strengthening Union Pacific's role in facilitating seamless international trade flows within North America.
The World Customs Organization (WCO), in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), launched a Customs Valuation Mentor Training Program for Pacific Island Countries, aiming to build a regional pool of experts and enhance customs valuation capabilities. The program promotes regional cooperation, enhances competitiveness, and achieves sustainable development by cultivating local experts and developing regional training materials. Recommended follow-up actions include strengthening training evaluation, establishing an information-sharing platform, and improving legal and regulatory frameworks.
The WCO Asia Pacific Heads of Customs Conference was held in Seoul, focusing on upgrading strategies, building smart customs, and strengthening international cooperation. Thailand was elected as the next Vice-Chair. South Korea will establish a training center to further support capacity building in the region. The conference highlighted the importance of regional collaboration to enhance trade facilitation and security within the Asia Pacific region and beyond, aiming to create a more efficient and interconnected global trade environment.
Ebeye, located in the Marshall Islands, is the most densely populated port city within the Kwajalein Atoll. It features significant international port facilities that cater to diverse cargo transportation needs and is rich in historical and cultural heritage, making it an important destination for exploring the South Pacific.
West Coast Freight offers global port inquiry services, covering regions such as Japan, Korea, and the South Pacific, with a database of over ten thousand ports to help users efficiently access international transportation information. The service also provides five-letter port codes to facilitate convenient logistics and transport.
Saint Thomas International Airport, located in Luganville, Vanuatu, is a medium-sized aviation hub connecting the South Pacific, featuring an efficient runway and multiple flight routes serving key international and domestic destinations. It not only facilitates travel but also offers passengers the opportunity to explore Vanuatu's natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Savusavu Bay Port, located in Fiji, serves as a key shipping hub in the South Pacific with unrestricted water depth and a 1.5-meter tide range. The port handles an annual throughput of 426 tons and offers medical and repatriation services, aiming to provide efficient logistics solutions for global clients.
