By Linny Folau

'VIVA Pacific Islanders' was the theme of the Pacific Islands Trade Exhibition 2009 held at the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) conference room in Tokyo on Thursday, May 21 and saw Tonga's locally produced Royal Coffee on display.

Tania Karalus 'Otukolo displayed the Royal Coffee together with other Pacific Island producers showing island pearls, oil, soaps, and potato chips.

The exhibition was attended by some members of the Pacific Island Leaders including the Chair of the Pacific Island Forum Secretariat, Hon Tuiloma Slade, who said in his opening address that the Pacific Forum was delighted to be a part of the trade exhibition, which showcased products from the Pacific to the Japanese market.

He said this underpinned the very strong relations between the Pacific Forum Island countries and Japan in relation to the development and promotion of trade, investment and economic growth in the region.

"Therefore the Pacific as a region stands today to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the markets to trade in goods and services."

He said it was encouraging to see that Japan planned investment engagement in the region and there was already a significant line of exports from the Pacific, such as pearls from Tahiti, as well as many other products.

"I note, in appreciation, the valuable roles of the Pacific Island Centre and JETRO in facilitating continued exports from the Pacific Island Forum countries to Japan over the last 10 years," he said.

In a sophisticated market such as Japan the key factors to be addressed by Pacific Island countries included the quality of service, the delivery of product, the lack of range of exportable of products, inconsistency of supply and, perhaps, lack of understanding of doing business in Japan.

"This exhibition is valuable as it presents opportunities to build personal ties thus determine successful and long term business relationship between Japan and Pacific Forum island countries," he said.

Also attending was the Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum, Hon Toke Talagi, also the Premier of Niue and other Pacific Island Leaders, and HE Mr Yoshiro Mori the former Prime Minister of Japan.

Tongans students in Japan, including Sione Vikilani, Salome Taufa and Kaunanga Hehea Tukuafu, also attended the exhibition, which displayed national dances from Pacific Island countries including Samoa and Papua New Guinea.

The exhibition was held in line with the PALM 5 meeting that was opened in Hokkaido on May 22-23.