NASFUND CEO PUSHES FOR PACIFIC CO INVESTMENT FRAMEWORK AT PIIF CONFERENCE IN FIJI
Nasfund Chief Executive Officer Rajeev Sharma has called for a regional co-investment framework that would enable Pacific superannuation funds to pool resources and invest collectively in major infrastructure projects.
Mr Sharma made the call during the Pacific Islands Investment Forum (PIIF) Investment Conference held in Denarau, Fiji from 24 to 26 August 2026.
He attended in three capacities: as Nasfund CEO and PIIF member, as President of the Association of Superannuation Funds of Papua New Guinea (ASFPNG), and as Treasurer of PIIF.
“Through collaboration, funds can diversify their investment portfolios, mitigate risk, and unlock opportunities that may generate sustainable long-term returns for their members while contributing to economic growth across the region.”
Mr Sharma said, “the three-day conference brought together superannuation funds, investment professionals, development partners, and regional stakeholders to discuss sustainable investment opportunities across the Pacific.”
Organized in partnership with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals initiative, the conference focused on strengthening the PIIF Investment Platform. Discussions centered on mobilizing Pacific capital, developing investment-ready projects, enhancing governance frameworks, and building investment capacity across member funds.
PIIF Secretariat Executive Director Damien Beddoes said the conference provided a key platform for member funds and partners to progress talks on strategic investments, partnerships, and regional development.
“The conference creates opportunities for meaningful engagement through breakout sessions and networking, allowing members and partners to progress discussions on strategic investments, partnerships, governance, and regional development initiatives,” Mr Beddoes said.
The programmed featured presentations from leading institutional investors including the New Zealand Super Fund and the Australian Retirement Trust, reflecting growing engagement between Pacific funds and major regional financial institutions.
Mr Sharma said Nasfund remains committed to exploring investment opportunities that deliver sustainable returns for members while supporting the broader development of Papua New Guinea and the Pacific region.
Regional partnerships and collaborative investment approaches, he added, continue to play an important role in supporting economic resilience, strengthening financial markets, and creating lasting value for Pacific communities.
