The secretary general of the Pacific Islands Forum, Tuiloma Neroni Slade, has told a meeting of investors in Sydney that the Pacific is a region of infinite promise.
He says the Pacific Islands Investment Summit, the first to focus purely on the island countries, is a chance to explore openings to increase foreign investment.
Mr Slade says despite many disadvantages, it's a region of promise, with investment opportunities available in tourism, agriculture, fisheries, manufacturing, general services, transport and construction.
He says the promise is also underscored by the resource developments underway in Papua New Guinea and the potential of resources in other island states, including in the seabed and maritime areas.