11/07/2026
🇲🇭 DID YOU KNOW? | IOKWE – The Values That Guide OCIT
Did you know that the Office of Commerce, Investment and Tourism (OCIT) has five core values that spell the Marshallese word IOKWE?
More than a greeting, IOKWE reflects the values that guide how OCIT serves the Republic of the Marshall Islands and delivers on its mission to be a catalyst for economic growth through investment, support for local businesses, and sustainable tourism. These values are outlined in the OCIT Business Plan 2025–2030.
I – Integrity
(Jiṃwe, Ṃool, im Kautiej Ṃanit)
We are committed to transparency, ethics, and responsible governance in all our commercial, investment, and business development activities. Our priority is to build trust, ensure fair practices, and safeguard worker safety, utilizing technology to improve efficiency and connect across global markets. We deeply value and integrate Marshallese culture, traditions, and values into every initiative. Across commerce, investment, and tourism, our work embodies the principles of Manit, respect, cooperation, and environmental stewardship.
O – Originality
(Jerbal ko Rejenolọk im Ejej Uwaer)
We encourage creativity in the development of unique Marshallese products, services, and visitor experiences, celebrating our distinctive beauty and rich culture. We are committed to using technology to showcase all that the Marshall Islands has to offer to the global community.
K – Kindness
(Jouj, Jeḷā Ṇae, im Meanwōd)
We strive to be friendly and considerate in all our interactions with businesses, investors, tourists, and the Marshallese people, cultivating a welcoming and collaborative environment that respects our culture and supports a positive workplace. We strategically employ technology to enhance our global outreach and service delivery.
W – Wellbeing
(Jokwane im Eṃṃan Kōjeān)
We are dedicated to ensuring that our work in commerce, investment, tourism, and business development contributes positively to social equity, cultural preservation, and ecological health. Our approach to economic development aims to improve quality of life, protect our heritage and the wellbeing of our workforce, and use technology for monitoring and continuous improvement, securing a sustainable future for the Marshall Islands and its people. We believe that genuine progress is rooted in our identity, promoting sustainability while preserving our heritage and the wellbeing of our people and land.
E – Empowerment
(Ḷōñaj im Kōkajoorḷọk)
We are committed to empowering local entrepreneurs, attracting valuable investments, and promoting responsible tourism in collaboration with our communities. We aim to balance economic growth with the protection of our environment and culture, fostering a healthy work environment and using technology to empower our workforce and stakeholders, including all vulnerable groups, for future engagement on a global scale.
Together, these five values spell IOKWE—reflecting the principles that guide OCIT as we work to advance sustainable economic growth through commerce, investment, private sector development, and tourism for the Republic of the Marshall Islands.
