Finding Balance 2011: Benchmarking the Performance of State-Owned Enterprises in Fiji, Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, and Tonga

State-owned enterprises (SOEs) place a significant and unsustainable strain on the economies of Fiji, Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, and Tonga. They absorb large amounts of scarce capital on which they provide very low returns. This study reveals the core drivers of SOE performance, illustrates how rapid progress can be made in placing SOEs on a sound commercial footing, and demonstrates the importance of political will for successful SOE reform. While the study focuses on five countries with broadly similar SOE portfolios, the core lessons from their experience are applicable throughout the Pacific region.