By: L.N. Reklai A new bill in the Olbiil Era Kelulau would change how some small and medium-sized businesses in Palau are taxed, with the goal of lowering costs and helping them compete with large importers and wholesalers. The measure, Senate Bill 12-62, would let qualifying businesses subtract certain local business expenses before their gross […]
Tag: Palau economy
Posted inTop Stories
Senate Advances Major Pension Reform Bill to Address $304M Shortfall
Plan shifts to savings-style accounts, raises retirement age and contributions By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang NGERULMUD, Palau (April 6, 2026) — “The numbers are clear … now the only remaining step is the political will to see this through,” Sen. Mark Rudimch said as lawmakers advanced a major bill to reform Palau’s Civil Service Pension Plan. […]
Posted inTop Stories
Lowy Institute Report Highlights Palau’s Continued Reliance on Aid
By: Summer Kennard KOROR, Palau (March 24, 2026) New data from the Lowy Institute highlights Palau’s continued reliance on international assistance, even as its economy ranks among the strongest per capita in the Pacific. The findings, published in October 2025, draw on development finance data collected between 2008 and 2023. With a population of just […]
Posted inIn Focus
Migration is good for the Pacific
By Stephen Howes CANBERRA, 23 MARCH 2026 (DEVPOLICY.ORG) —The debate over whether migration is a positive or negative for the Pacific is a long-standing one. Bernard Poirine’s 1995 paper “Should we love or hate MIRAB” set out both sides of the argument, and why he thought both migration and foreign aid were positives for the […]
Posted inTop Stories
“Unconscionably Excessive?” Palau House Flags Fuel Price Surge for Legal Review
Lawmakers cite public concern over rising gasoline costs and potential impact on cost of living in Palau By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (March 17, 2026) — “Members of the public have raised concerns regarding the noticeable rise in fuel prices and the resulting impact on consumers, transportation, and businesses throughout the country,” the Palau House […]
Posted inOpinion
Economic Development Without the People
Dear Editor, President Whipps recent interview about U.S. investment in Palau highlights a troubling pattern: our leaders speak about development in terms that please foreign partners but forget to center the people of Palau. The conversation was filled with talk of veterans, hotels, airports, and cruise ships, but not once did it address how ordinary […]