Rarotonga, Cook Islands, 16 October 2025 – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI) and the Business Trade and Investment Board (BTIB) are pleased to announce the official launch of the Cook Islands Trade Policy Framework 2025-2030 (TPF), held on the 10 October at the New Hope Church Hall.
The launch marks the beginning of a new phase in the Cook Islands’ efforts to strengthen trade as a key driver of sustainable development and economic resilience. Senior representatives from government and the financial sector, including Honourable Minister Tingika Elikana, Heads of Ministries, the Office of the Public Service Commissioner, ANZ, Financial Services Development Authority, and the National Environment Services attended the event. This broad representation reflects the shared responsibility among stakeholders to advance the Cook Islands’ trade and development priorities.
The updated TPF was developed with support and funding from the European Union, through the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat’s Strengthening Pacific Intra-Regional and International Trade Project. The collaborative efforts of MFAI and BTIB, under the leadership of Dr. Jim Gosselin and Ms. Repeta Puna, have been instrumental in developing this Framework.
The Cook Islands’ previous Trade Policy Framework, adopted in 2015, has been refreshed to reflect the changing global trade environment and the Cook Islands’ evolving development priorities. The new TPF provides a strategic direction for the nation’s trade agenda, with a focus on priority areas including economic diversification, trade between the Pa Enua and Rarotonga, enhancing food security, exploring export opportunities in niche and untapped markets, trade facilitation and quality infrastructure, and implementing trade agreements alongside supporting a regional rules-based trading system.
“Trade is a vital pillar of the Cook Islands economy, contributing directly to our nation’s prosperity and the wellbeing of our people,” said Hon. Tingika Elikana, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration.
Repeta Puna, CEO of the Business Trade & Investment Board highlights the vital role of collaboration between the public and private sectors in advancing this important initiative. “This is not work we can accomplish in isolation. It’s essential that government agencies and the business community come together, share insights, and support one another to ensure this document doesn’t gather dust over the next five years. Instead, it should be actively updated and reflect meaningful progress,” Puna stated.
Looking ahead, MFAI and BTIB will establish a National Trade Development Committee to guide implementation of the Framework and ensure coordinated action across government, the private sector and communities. Both agencies reaffirm their commitment to a collaborative, inclusive and pragmatic approach that advances the Cook Islands’ trade objectives and supports a resilient and innovative economy that benefits all Cook Islanders.
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