Graphs not best economic indicators

The best way to measure the status of the Pacific Region's economy is not by analyzing graphs or charts. Rather, it is found in the lives of the people.
Economic indicators are found in how people live, how easily they move, how they connect, how well basic services are made available to them, etc.
Secretariat General of the Pacific Islands Forum Baron Waqa made this bold statement when delivering his keynote address during the opening of the three-day 2025 Pacific Update, on the topic of measuring economic performance in the Pacific. The event was co-hosted by the Development Center of the Australian National University [ANU].
The Secretary General, who is a former President of Nauru, says it's about time, the Island nations, reorganized and strengthened inter-regional connectivity through trade and economic corporations.
He believes that through ongoing review of the regional architecture, regional leaders are taking a hard look at how they organize the region, from fragmentation to functionality and from competition to complimentary.
PNG is the biggest economy in the region, excluding Australia and NZ, and it's leading most of the economic corporation discussions both at the regional and global stage. Hence, this statement by the head of the biggest regional group, the PIF, is very crucial & timely.
Baron Waqa spoke with a wealth of experience and deep commitment to the development and prosperity of the Pacific region.
Generally, the region is slowly recovering from the effects of COVID-19.