The Pacific region is rich in natural resources and has great potential for economic development. Several profitable resources, including sugar cane, petroleum and timber, have enabled the Pacific to maintain competitiveness in the global trade market.1 Fisheries production in the Pacific has also reached around 1.7 million tons – an estimated value of US$3.6 billion dollars – due to extensive Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) that cover 20% of global EEZs. The tourism industry has also made a considerable contribution to the Pacific economy. This economic potential is against the backdrop of relatively high levels of human development.

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