FSM Trade and Investment

Palikir, Federated States of Micronesia – December 8, 2025

The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) has taken a significant step forward in strengthening its bilateral ties with the People's Republic of China through the signing of a Framework Agreement for Enhanced Economic Partnership. The agreement was formalized during a ceremony in Shanghai by The Honorable Secretary Elina P. Akinaga, Secretary of the FSM Department of Resources and Development and China's Minister of Commerce, Wang Wentao on November 4, 2025.

This pivotal agreement is an outcome of the China-Pacific Islands Foreign Ministers Meeting, held in May 2025, which aligns with the comprehensive strategic partnership and consensus reached during the historic April 2024 meeting between President Wesley W. Simina and President Xi Jinping. It aims to foster sustainable economic and social development by emphasizing trade's role in driving growth, job creation, innovation, and poverty reduction.

In her remarks at the signing, Secretary Akinaga highlighted the agreement's potential to unlock new opportunities in trade, investment, and infrastructure while addressing risks such as unequal benefits and environmental degradation through sound policies in education, governance, and sustainability. She reaffirmed FSM's steadfast commitment to the One China Policy as the bedrock of this enduring relationship, paving the way for mutual prosperity, peace, and stability in the Pacific region.

Secretary Akinaga also represented FSM at the opening ceremony of the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE), held from November 5 to 10, 2025. Premier Li Qiang delivered a keynote address, portraying the CIIE as an "estuary" for global economic flows into China and a bridge for international connectivity. He pledged China's dedication to high-level opening-up, free trade, foreign investment, and equitable global economic practices. Other dignitaries, including leaders from Georgia, Serbia, Nigeria, Slovenia, and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, echoed themes of multilateral cooperation and innovation in emerging industries.

The FSM delegation's participation in the CIIE underscored opportunities for promoting FSM tourism, fisheries, and agricultural products on a global stage, with Secretary Akinaga expressing optimism for establishing an FSM booth at future editions to enhance market access and visibility.

This milestone reflects the ongoing efforts of the Simina-Palik administration to advance the comprehensive strategic partnership between FSM and China, delivering tangible benefits to the governments and peoples of both nations.

From Shanghai, Secretary Akinaga also visited Hangzhou and Yiwu where she held meetings with relevant authorities to promote the newly signed framework agreement and anticpation for more economic cooperation between our two nations.

Members of Secretary Akinaga’s delegation included, The Honorable Secretary Leonito Bacalando Jr., Ambassador KS Vincent Sivas, Assistant Secretary for the Division of Trade and Investment, Mr. Florian J. Yatilman, and Program Manager for Investment, Mrs. Masako Johnnyboy.

Passing of Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Honorable Lorin S. Robert

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The Office of the President announces with profound sadness the passing of the Honorable Lorin S. Robert, Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM).

Secretary Robert was one of the longest serving public servants in the National Government, beginning his career in 1984 as a Foreign Service Officer and dedicating decades of exemplary service to the Nation. His leadership, diplomacy, and unwavering commitment to the FSM played a central role in strengthening the country’s relationships at home and abroad. His contributions helped shape the FSM’s foreign policy and elevated the Nation’s standing in the international community.

Secretary Robert is survived by his beloved wife, Ignacia H. Robert; his children: Edmond Taro Robert, Judy Robert John, Joanna Robert, and Lorin Robert Jr.; and his grandchildren: Keihana Tom, Andrew John Jr., Loraine Tom, Alika Robert, Tymetrus Robert, I’kohwa Robert, Ivy Senia Robert Vanukon, and Robert Vanukon. The Office of the President extends its thoughts and prayers to his family during this difficult time.

The Government extends its heartfelt condolences to the family of Secretary Robert and to all who were touched by his leadership, service, and friendship. The Nation mourns the loss of a respected statesman, mentor, and public servant whose legacy will be remembered for generations.

A Presidential Proclamation declaring a national period of mourning will be issued in the coming days. Details of the state funeral arrangements will also be announced to allow the Nation to come together in honoring the life and service of one of the FSM’s most distinguished leaders.

The Office of the President asks the Nation to join in remembering and honoring the life, leadership, and service of the Honorable Lorin S. Robert during this time of national mourning.

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PRESS RELEASE

FSM Convened Fisheries Investment Workshop

Palikir, Pohnpei, September 29 – 30, 2025, the FSM Department of Resources and Development (FSMR&D) and National Oceanic Resources Management Authority (NORMA) held a two-day workshop to discuss implementation of the National Oceanic Fisheries Investment Policy (NOFIP). The event, chaired by FSMR&D, gathered state and national representatives to align policies, identify infrastructure and capacity needs, and strengthen coordination across all levels of government.

Key discussions focused on policy alignment, investment opportunities, and institutional coordination. Participants emphasized the importance of sustainable funding for the Competent Authority, collaboration under the Interim Economic Partnership Agreement (iEPA), and development of state-specific investment priorities. States also reviewed the FSMA-VDS Concession Framework and discussed the need for improved port facilities, bunkering services, and enabling business environments.

The workshop concluded with a call for stronger national - state collaboration, proactive investment promotion, and follow-up state workshops in early 2026. Participants expressed commitment to translating FSM’s fisheries potential into tangible economic benefits for all states.

PRESS RELEASE

Doubling efforts to promote trade and investment in the FSM

Colonia, Yap, September 19, 2025 – This week marks the conclusion of a series of the annual FSM Trade and Investment State Consultations across the four States.

Building on the existing efforts, this is the second round of State Consultations since the endorsement of the FSM Trade Policy Implementation Plan (hereinafter “Implementation Plan”) by the 11th Meeting of the National Trade Facilitation Committee (NTFC) and adoption by the 13th State-National Leadership Conference (SNLC) in August 2024.

The Implementation plan comprises seven cross-cutting and four sectoral Strategic Areas, including a monitoring and evaluation (M&E) framework to track and report progress.

The State Consultations focused on the preparation of the Implementation Plan Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) reporting and the development of the M&E indicators framework, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. As a follow-up to the key actions identified at the FSM Foreign Investment Regulators Meeting March 2025, the State Consultations also discussed the support to trade and investment-related activities to enhance a conducive business environment.

Meanwhile, the FSM continues active engagement in strengthening international trade relations with potential export markets to drive more investments in expanding the capacity of the private sector in value-added goods and services, particularly fisheries, agriculture, tourism and manufacturing.

The second round of State Consultations kicked off in Kosrae (August 12-14), followed by Pohnpei (August 25-27), Chuuk (September 9 -11), and Yap (September 17-19). The outcome of this series of State Consultations formed part of the preparation and reporting to the forthcoming 12th NTFC.

Visit https://rd.gov.fm/trade-and-investment for more information.