Economy
Lifeline for the economy
Monday 1 March 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy
Government’s Economic Response Plan (ERP) is a lifeline for the economy, says the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management (MFEM) economic analyst Dr. Willem Ysbrand Borren.
Bid to diversify local economy
Saturday 27 February 2021 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Economy, Features, National, Weekend
E-sports, intuitive accounting and digital TV out of Aitutaki, Caleb Fotheringham talks to some businesses on how they plan to use the government’s SMART Economy grants.
Mobile cash app targets Pa Enua
Saturday 27 February 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Economy, Features, Go Local, National, Technology
Sending cash to the far corners of the country has long been a challenge for many Cook Islanders, but a new electronic service is offering residents a cheaper and faster way. Will they adopt this new technology?
Timeline on travel bubble weeks away
Saturday 27 February 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Economy, National
Timeline on travel bubble weeks away Government says work is ongoing in anticipation of two-way quarantine-free travel with New Zealand, however an announcement with specifics on when that will happen is weeks away.
Bubble delay could result in job losses
Saturday 27 February 2021 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National
Ministry of Internal Affairs expects the number of people on the unemployment benefit to increase if borders do not open soon and businesses cannot access the wage subsidy.
Regional trade deal to create opportunities, foreign ministry says
Thursday 25 February 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, National
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration yesterday held its final public consultation to promote awareness of a regional trade deal.
21 receive government SMART economy grant
Wednesday 24 February 2021 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Economy, National
Close to $1.4 million of the $2 million available in the SMART Economy Grant has been given to 21 businesses.
Government spending under scrutiny
Wednesday 24 February 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Economy, National
As government deals with setbacks in establishing two-way quarantine-free travel with NZ, Demo leader Tina Pupuke Browne is questioning whether government can continue spending to keep the economy afloat in the absence of tourists.
Vessels to have Cooks flag removed
Tuesday 23 February 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Economy, National
Two tankers are expected to be removed from the Cook Islands ship registry this week after allegations surfaced the vessels were transporting Iranian crude oil in defiance of US sanctions, while concealing their movements.
Air freight issue remains rife
Tuesday 23 February 2021 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Economy, National
The two empty flights to Rarotonga last week made little difference to solve the ongoing issue of delay in air freight.
Global vaccine rollout a glimmer of hope for local businesses
Monday 22 February 2021 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Economy, National
As more and more people are getting vaccinated around the world, a survey shows optimism is returning to businesses in the Pacific region.
Tax season in full swing
Saturday 20 February 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Economy, National
Personal income tax returns are due on March 1, but thanks to a rule change, workers will be paying less in taxes this year and onward.
Facebook block hits region hard
Saturday 20 February 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Australia, Economy, National, Regional
As an Australia-wide ban on news content by Facebook continues, it is emerging just how prominent the social media platform has become for Cook Islands residents and people throughout the Pacific region.
Cook Islands Workers Association recruiting members
Friday 19 February 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, National
With a membership close to 500, the Cook Islands Workers Association (CIWA) executive board are on a recruitment drive to increase its numbers.
New video-conferencing facility for Chamber of Commerce
Friday 19 February 2021 | Written by Supplied | Published in Economy, National
Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council recently gifted a high-quality video camera and microphone system to the Cook Islands Chamber of Commerce and their new meeting room facility.
BTIB recruiting seasonal workers
Friday 19 February 2021 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, National
A Government agency has copped criticism for its role in recruiting local and expatriate workers to take up seasonal work in New Zealand.
Expatriate workers urged to consider all options before departing
Thursday 18 February 2021 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National
Expatriate workers planning to return home are being asked to consider the economic situation of their countries before making their final decision.
Sole trader grant for Covid-19 financial support extended
Wednesday 17 February 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Economy, National
Those who have missed out on government’s sole trader grant initiative can still apply for funds.
Government sticking to target for travel bubble
Wednesday 17 February 2021 | Written by Emmanuel Samoglou | Published in Economy, National
Despites key setbacks this week, Government is sticking to its target of opening the border to two-way quarantine-free travel with New Zealand by the end of next month.
Air freight delays frustrate businesses
Tuesday 16 February 2021 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Economy, National
Rarotonga businesses are frustrated with delay in air freight claiming the airline is prioritising passengers over much-needed cargo.
