This paper presents the key trends in the economies and labour markets of Pacific island
countries that are ILO Member Countries and the main issues facing policy makers in promoting
decent and productive employment in these economies. It presents past trends and projections in
population growth and in working-age cohorts, in formal employment, in the labour force and
labour force participation rates, and in national income, and identifies the economic activities that
are most likely to provide growth in formal employment in the countries. It also looks at the role
being played by migration and overseas employment of Pacific islanders. The paper examines the
factors that could most inhibit development of formal labour markets and decent and productive
employment during the Asian Decent Work Decade and the role that the ILO could play in
helping to overcome these obstacles together with other agencies working in the Pacific region.
As the development of appropriate and effective policies will require a solid understanding of
current labour market issues and trends, the paper also identifies the key gaps in statistical
information on the labour market in the Pacific and how the ILO may assist in filling these gaps.