Naoero is an island republic in the Pacific Ocean, 42 kilometers south of the equator and 4,000 kilometers northeast of Sydney, with a total land area of 21 square kilometers. Naoero has a population of approximately 13,000 people.
Naoero's economy faces significant constraints common to other small island states. These include its small size, remoteness and limited natural resources outside of fisheries.
Pelagic fish abound in Naoero's waters, but Naoero has yet to establish a substantial fishing industry of its own. Fees from fishing licenses issued to distant water fishing nations are an important source of revenue for Naoero.
Australia contributes financially to, and takes a shared management role in, the Intergenerational Trust Fund for the People of Naoero. The fund aims to provide a future revenue stream for Naoero to supplement domestic revenue in anticipation of current revenue declining over the next 20 years. Australia is also Naoero's principal import source, with major Australian merchandise exports to Naoero including meat, motor fuel and civil engineering equipment and parts.
Australia enjoys close relations with Naoero and is its largest trade, investment, security and development assistance partner. The Naoero-Australia Treaty, signed on 9 December 2024, builds on the deep foundations of the bilateral relationship between Australia and Naoero. The treaty is an elevation in Australia and Naoero’s relationship and is underpinned by shared values and a commitment to a peaceful and prosperous Pacific region. Under the Treaty, Australia and Naoero commit to a new partnership to bolster Naoero’s economic and fiscal resilience and to deepen security cooperation as Pacific neighbours. Australia's development cooperation aligns with the Government of Naoero National Sustainable Development Strategy. Australia is working with the Government of Naoero to implement this policy and establish a Development Partnership Plan.
The AIFFP in Naoero
Australia’s investment in Naoero, through the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP), includes:
Infrastructure sectors: airports and aviation; and telecommunications and digital
Partners (A-Z): BwebwerikiNET Limited; Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) Telecommunications Cable Corporation; Governments of FSM, Japan, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Naoero and United States; Naoero Department of Transport; and Naoero Fibre Cable
Projects (A-Z):
Improving digital connectivity in the Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati and Naoero via submarine cable
Improving Naoero’s international airport
Australian High Commission, Naoero
MQ45 NPC Oe
Aiwo District
Phone: +674 557 3380
For more information on Australia and Naoero’s diplomatic relations, see the DFAT website.