Pacific Trade Invest (PTI) Australia is celebrating a record year in 2024, having facilitated A$93.8 million in trade and investment deals for businesses across the Blue Pacific region. This milestone underscores PTI Australia’s impact in driving economic growth across the region. Marking its 45th year of operation, the Sydney-based agency of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat continues to strengthen trade and investment opportunities for Pacific enterprises.
Last year, PTI Australia focussed on delivering programs and initiatives designed to support exporters and investees to strengthen their businesses and connect with high-quality importers, distributors, buyers and investors. The work further looked to support digital innovations, capacity building and positively influencing business-enabling environments of the Pacific.
Highlights of PTI Australia’s work in 2024 include showcasing premium Pacific products at Fine Food Australia, representing the Small Island States at the Treasures of the South Pacific Roadshow, growth of the highly successful Digital Tourism Program, the introduction of the Digital Services Program, and the ongoing impact of the Freight Assistance Package.
Last year PTI Australia also produced the biennial Pacific Islands Export Survey alongside three additional reports, Driving Economic Resilience: Pacific Trade Invest’s Decade of Progress, the Pacific Islands Export Survey 2024 GEDSI Report, and the Carbon Credit Opportunities in the Pacific report. These publications offer valuable insights on the trends, opportunities and challenges faced by businesses across the Blue Pacific.
Jeremy Grennell, PTI Australia’s General Manager of Export, said the year’s record-breaking figures reflect the diligent efforts made by both the team and the businesses they work with.
“I am immensely proud of the achievements made by PTI Australia and our clients last year. These figures are the highest in our history and represent a significant leap forward in terms of our targets. They also emphasise the substantial impact we can have on enabling sustainable economic growth and improving livelihoods across the Blue Pacific.”
2024 further marked the final year of Caleb Jarvis’s tenure as PTI Australia’s Trade and Investment Commissioner. After 15 years in the role, Jarvis transitioned to a new position of PTI Network General Manager, supporting the operations of all PTI global offices. PTI Australia warmly welcomed Tim Martin as new Trade and Investment Commissioner in January 2025.
Caleb said he is grateful to have finished his time as Trade and Investment Commissioner on such a high note and it signals a bright future ahead.
“Last year was the closing of a very large chapter for me and I am so thankful to have ended my time at PTI Australia with such phenomenal results. The services we offer our clients are built on listening closely to what is needed and responding with agility, diligence and innovation. It’s fantastic to see the fruits of our work yield such large returns, as many of these programs have been various forms of delivery for years. It is always heartwarming to know that these services are leading to real change and business growth. I look forward to working with Tim, as he leads PTI Australia into a new era, and I am confident that the team will excel under his stewardship.”
Founded in 1979, PTI Australia is an agency of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat. Funded by the Australian Government, it facilitates trade and investment in the Pacific Islands.
