Cook Islands national, Mr Teremoana Mato, has been appointed Trade Commissioner of the Pacific Trade Invest (PTI) China, based in Beijing, effective from 24 February 2020.
The PTI is the trade and investment arm of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS).
Mato’s responsibilities include providing support to Pacific Forum Island Countries in facilitating trade, investment, and tourism opportunities with China.
PIFS Secretary General, Dame Meg Taylor said she was very pleased with Mato’s appointment.
“The trade relationship we have with China is very important and the work of our Beijing Office is to continue to grow this relationship through trade, investment links and market access to and from China.”
She said Mato brings with him a wealth of experience in Pacific regional trade and investment having served both at the national level with the Government of the Cook Islands and the regional level with the Pacific Trade and Invest in New Zealand and Australia.
“I look forward to what is to come from the Beijing Office with this new appointment. I also take this opportunity to extend our appreciation to the Government of the Peoples Republic of China for its support to PTI China which continues to enable the Office to deliver its key services to Forum Island Countries.”
Mato said it’s an honour to be appointed to the role and to serve Forum Island Countries.
“While my tenure commences during trying times in China, a priority in this role is to refocus our plans to respond to this unprecedented change.”
“This work will include leveraging and strengthening collaborations with our key stakeholders and partners in China and the Pacific so that we maintain delivery of our leaders mandate to promote and facilitate trade and investment opportunities for our pacific enterprises.”
Other PTI offices are located in Australia, Switzerland, Japan and New Zealand.
