AGP Executive Report

Nickel and Critical Minerals: The EU and New Caledonia signed a partnership to develop sustainable raw-materials supply chains, including investment, processing, infrastructure and training. The non-binding deal guarantees neither funding nor nickel purchases, and pro-independence leaders boycotted the signing over a lack of local consultation. Air Links and Tourism: Qantas is offering more than 18,000 discounted seats across eight Pacific destinations, including New Caledonia, with return fares from AU$579. Agriculture and Exports: A new cocoa processing facility in Fiji’s Dreketi region could help farmers reach overseas buyers, including a chocolate factory in New Caledonia.

Nickel and Critical Minerals: The EU and New Caledonia signed a non-binding partnership to develop sustainable raw-materials value chains, covering investment, processing, infrastructure, skills and research. New Caledonia supplied 3.1% of global nickel in 2024, but the deal guarantees neither funding nor purchases; a roadmap is due within six months. Local Consultation: Pro-independence Congress leaders boycotted the signing, saying they had not been properly consulted — a reminder that political support will matter as the partnership moves from framework to projects. Agricultural Markets: Fiji’s new cocoa-processing facility in Dreketi is opening export opportunities, including potential sales to a chocolate factory in New Caledonia, and could give farmers another buyer. Pacific Supply Chains: New Caledonian practitioners joined a regional organic-farming exchange focused on lasting, community-led approaches to agriculture and conservation.

Nickel and Raw Materials: The EU and New Caledonia have signed a non-binding partnership to develop sustainable raw-materials value chains, including investment, infrastructure, skills and research. New Caledonia produced 3.1% of the world’s nickel in 2024, but the deal guarantees neither funding nor purchases. Local Consultation: Pro-independence leaders boycotted the signing, saying they had not been adequately consulted. Regional Trade: A new cocoa-processing facility in Fiji’s Vanua Levu is targeting export markets including New Caledonia, potentially giving farmers a new outlet. Tourism Supply Chains: New Caledonian businesses joined Fiji’s HOTEC trade show, where operators were urged to build regional supplier partnerships and strengthen local sourcing.

Critical Minerals: The EU and New Caledonia have signed a strategic raw-materials partnership to develop nickel value chains through investment, infrastructure, skills and research. The non-binding deal guarantees neither funding nor purchases, but aims to help the territory find markets as its nickel industry struggles with competitiveness. Local Consultation: Pro-independence Congress leaders boycotted the signing, saying they were not adequately consulted — a challenge to building local support for the EU partnership. Regional Trade: A new cocoa-processing facility in Fiji’s Vanua Levu is raising hopes of export sales to New Caledonia, Japan and Australia, opening a potential supply link with the territory’s chocolate industry.

Nickel and Critical Minerals: The EU and New Caledonia signed a partnership to develop sustainable raw-material supply chains, including investment, processing, infrastructure, skills and research. New Caledonia produced 3.1% of global nickel in 2024, but the non-binding deal guarantees neither financing nor European purchases. Local Consultation: Pro-independence Congress leaders boycotted the signing, objecting to a lack of consultation. The agreement comes as the nickel sector seeks new markets and support to tackle high energy costs and declining competitiveness.

Regional Tourism: New Caledonian exhibitors joined HOTEC 2026 in Fiji, where tourism operators are exploring regional partnerships and local sourcing to strengthen supply chains and reduce transport impacts. Cocoa Trade: A newly opened processing facility in Fiji’s Vanua Levu could help farmers reach buyers in New Caledonia, Japan and Australia, including a New Caledonian chocolate maker. Nickel and Critical Minerals: The EU and New Caledonia signed a partnership on sustainable raw-materials value chains, covering investment, infrastructure, skills and research. The framework could open wider commercial opportunities for the nickel sector, but does not guarantee purchases, funding or immediate investment.

EU Raw Materials Deal: New Caledonia and the European Commission signed a strategic partnership on 20 October to develop sustainable raw-materials value chains. The framework covers investment, infrastructure, skills and research, with cooperation also focused on environmental standards and mine rehabilitation. New Caledonia produced 3.1% of global nickel in 2024. Nickel Outlook: Brussels sees the territory as a potential supplier for European industry, while New Caledonia hopes to attract investment and broaden markets for a sector struggling with high energy costs and weak competitiveness. The deal guarantees neither nickel purchases nor immediate funding; the partners plan to draw up a project roadmap within six months.

EU-Nickel Partnership: The European Commission and New Caledonia signed a deal in Nouméa on 20 October to build sustainable raw-material supply chains. New Caledonia produced 3.1% of the world’s nickel in 2024, and Brussels sees the territory as a potential supplier for European industry, including battery makers. Industry Outlook: The agreement sets out cooperation on investment, infrastructure, training, research and cleaner production, as New Caledonia’s nickel sector grapples with high energy costs and weak competitiveness. The partnership is non-exclusive and does not guarantee purchases, funding or immediate investment; both sides plan to identify priority projects in a roadmap within six months.

Nickel and Raw Materials: New Caledonia and the EU signed a strategic partnership to develop sustainable raw-material supply chains, with nickel at the centre. The plan covers investment, infrastructure, training, research and stronger links to European industry, while aiming to meet environmental and social standards. The agreement is non-exclusive and leaves control of resources with New Caledonia, but it does not guarantee nickel purchases or immediate funding. A roadmap setting out priority projects is due within six months. The deal comes as the territory’s nickel sector faces high energy costs and declining competitiveness.

Nickel Partnership: The European Commission has signed a strategic raw-materials partnership with New Caledonia, aiming to strengthen sustainable nickel value chains and make mining a driver of inclusive growth. Cooperation will cover industrial integration, energy and transport infrastructure, skills, research and environmental standards. New Caledonia accounted for 3.1% of global nickel production in 2024. Agriculture and Trade: Fiji’s first cocoa-processing facility has opened in Dreketi, with its owners targeting export markets including New Caledonia, Japan and Australia as they build supply chains with local farmers. Tourism: Fiji’s HOTEC trade show, opening October 22 in Nadi, will bring together tourism operators and suppliers; New Caledonia’s government is due to contribute to a session on regulatory changes.

Nickel and EU ties: European Commission vice-president Stéphane Séjourné is expected to sign a memorandum of understanding with New Caledonia on nickel, recognising the metal’s strategic importance. He also signalled potential EU support for training and infrastructure. Tourism: New Caledonia’s government is due to contribute to Fiji’s HOTEC 2026 trade show in Nadi, where sessions will address tourism regulation, standards and local supply chains. Agriculture and trade: A new cocoa-processing facility in Fiji’s Macuata province aims to build export capacity, with New Caledonia among its potential markets alongside Japan and Australia.

Tourism: Fiji’s HOTEC 2026 trade show in Nadi, October 22–23, will include a keynote from the Government of New Caledonia as operators discuss tourism rules, standards, local supply chains and sustainability. Agriculture and Trade: A new cocoa-processing facility in Dreketi aims to strengthen Fiji’s supply chain and build export opportunities in New Caledonia, Japan and Australia.

Maritime Response: French aircraft from New Caledonia supported rescue efforts for the MV Awka after engine failure left 73 people stranded off the Solomon Islands. A patrol boat was expected to reach the ferry on Sunday. Climate Finance: The Pacific Community secured US$129.9 million in climate funding approvals in 2025, including support for tuna-dependent communities and climate-related health risks. Cruise Industry: Carnival will withdraw two ships from Australia in March 2028, halving its dedicated fleet there. The company cited uncertainty over long-term operating rules, a concern for regional cruise planning.

Pacific Climate Finance: The Pacific Community (SPC) reported US$129.9 million in new climate-funding approvals in 2025, including support for tuna-dependent economies adapting to climate change and for health resilience in Micronesia. The programme also helped seven Pacific countries and territories update their climate plans. Regional Shipping: More than 70 people were stranded off the Solomon Islands after the MV Awka lost engine power. French aircraft from New Caledonia and Australia supported the response, while a cargo ship delivered supplies. Cruise Industry: Carnival will withdraw Carnival Luminosa and Carnival Adventure from Australia in March 2028, halving its dedicated fleet there. The company cited uncertainty over long-term operating rules; the change signals continued regulatory pressure on Pacific cruise deployments.

Pacific Climate Finance: The Pacific Community recorded US$129.9 million in climate funding approvals in 2025, including support for tuna-dependent economies to adapt to climate change. The programme also backed climate resilience, health and innovation across the region. Regional Shipping: French aircraft from New Caledonia supported the response after engine failure left 73 people stranded aboard a ferry near the Solomon Islands. Tourism: New Caledonia made Lonely Planet’s list of 50 destinations to visit in 2027, a boost to the territory’s profile with travellers.

Cruise Industry: Carnival will pull Carnival Luminosa and Carnival Adventure from Australia in March 2028, halving its dedicated fleet there. The company cites uncertainty over long-term operating rules, underscoring how regulation can shape Pacific cruise capacity. Climate Finance: SPC reports US$129.9 million in new climate-funding approvals in 2025, including support for tuna-dependent communities and climate-related health resilience in Micronesia. Regional Transport: Aircraft from New Caledonia and Australia helped support the rescue of 73 people stranded after a Solomon Islands ferry lost power; rough seas complicated delivery of supplies. Tourism: New Caledonia features on Lonely Planet’s list of destinations to visit in 2027, giving the territory fresh international exposure.