Pacific Islands look to capitalize on Global and Regional trade [1]
Thursday, November 12, 2015 - 22:33. Updated on Thursday, December 22, 2022 - 13:04.
A two-days workshop on Emerging Global and Regional Trade Issues for the Commonwealth Pacific Region began at the Scenic Hotel, Pelehake, Tongatapu this morning 12 November.
It covers complex international and regional trade issues that small and isolated Pacific Islands States have to address.
The Guest of Honour at the opening ceremony was Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala
Participants at the workshop are Senior Trade Officials from across the Pacific and resource persons from the Region and the wider Commonwealth as well as experts from Trade Policy Institutions/Multilateral organisations based in New York City, Geneva and London, including Dr Jodie Keane, Economic Advisor, Trade Division of the Commonwealth Secretariat.
Tonga’s Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Hon. Siaosi Sovaleni in his opening remarks pointed out that recent global developments has provided “a window of opportunity to improve our trade and development efforts."
“A question that I want to post to you. How can we ensure that all our Pacific people actually benefit from this window of opportunity?”
He also reminded participants that International Trade and Investment “are the engine for an inclusive economic growth, and poverty reduction.”
Agenda for Day One:
- Overview - Trade and Development issues for the Pacific Region.
- Fisheries - Sustainable Management and Enforcement.
- Services Negotiations in the Post-Bali context (Options and Opportunities for Commonwealth Pacific Countries).
- Regional Integration Processes in the Pacific
Agenda for Day Two:
- Climate Change – Adapting Trade and Development Strategies in the Pacific
- Global Value Chains/Aid for Trade in the Pacific
- Trade Facilitation – Issues for the Pacific.
- Pacific Preparations for the WTO 10 Ministerial Conference.