IMF STI PFTAC – Workshop on Monetary Policy and Forecasting for Pacific Islands Central Banks, Apia, SAMOA 3-9 July 2025

With support from the Governments of Japan and the Republic of Korea, the International

Monetary Fund (IMF) through its Institute for Capacity Development (ICD), Pacific Financial

Technical Assistance Centre (PFTAC) and Singapore Regional Training Institute (STI) hosted a

five-day regional workshop for Pacific Island central banks. The workshop, focusing on

selected topics in monetary policy analysis, forecasting, and macroeconomic frameworks

technical assistance , was held at the Tanoa Tusitala Hotel in Apia, Samoa.

Participants included Central Bank Governors, Deputy and Assistant Governors, and staff from

Tonga, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, Timor Leste and Samoa. The

workshop focused on peer-to-peer learning and sharing of country experiences in developing

their monetary policy analysis, forecasting tools, and macroeconomic frameworks. The final

two days of the workshop featured high-level discussions with active engagement from senior

central bank officials.

The Governor of the Central Bank of Samoa, Maiava Atalina Ainuu-Enari , delivered the keynote

address, officially welcoming IMF officials and central bank staff (both those who attended inperson and virtually). In her remarks, she emphasized “ the critical role of monetary policy as

a cornerstone of a sound macroeconomic framework , and the essential responsibilities of

central bankers in determining and implementing appropriate policy stances to guide their

respective economies”.

Governor Maiava also expressed, appreciation for the continued support from the IMF to the

Pacific region, particularly in strengthening institutional capacity through technical assistance,

regional workshops, and specialized trainings in monetary policy analysis and macroeconomic

forecasting.

Participants had the opportunity to experience Samoa through an excursion hosted by the

Central Bank of Samoa, offering a warm introduction to the country—particularly meaningful

for many who were visiting Samoa for the first time.

The workshop took place ahead of the annual PFTAC Steering Committee Meeting scheduled

for July 10–11, 2025, at the Taumeasina Island Resort, Apia