EU funds facilitation of agriculture commodity trade
PRESS STATEMENT (235/07)
14th December 2007 THE EUROPEAN UNION FUNDS PACIFIC ISLANDS PROJECT ON FACILITATION OF AGRICULTURE COMMODITY TRADE A Contribution Agreement for a new five-year regional project worth FJD 9.55 million to promote the trade of agricultural and forestry products has been signed today in Suva, Fiji by the Ambassador and the Head of the European Commission Delegation for the Pacific, Wiepke van der Goot, the Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, Greg Urwin and the Deputy Director General of the Secretariat of Pacific Community, Falani Aukuso. The Facilitating Agricultural Commodity Trade (FACT) project will be implemented by the Secretariat of Pacific Community (SPC). The promotion of trade is very important to achieving regional economic integration and is consistent with the objectives of the Pacific Plan. Revenue from increased trade is expected to alleviate rural poverty, increase opportunities and improve livelihoods of rural communities. FACT will contribute towards improving the competitiveness of agricultural and forestry products addressing key areas of the supply chain. It will focus on selected enterprises within the existing commercial farming and forestry sectors. SPC will work with other regional organisations and other key stakeholders to address constraints relating to the regulatory, institutional or financial aspects of doing business to promote a more business-friendly Pacific. Describing the Project, Mr. van der Goot said: "This Project will contribute to increased agriculture commodity trade in Pacific ACP States, by working with selected enterprises in farming and forestry sectors. This regional intervention builds on the continued support of the European Commission in trade and sustainable natural resources management through the Regional Indicative Programme." While welcoming the project, Mr. Urwin said: “The contribution of the EU towards this important sector is very much appreciated. Trade in any product is important for economic growth. The agricultural sector is a very important sector in the Pacific region as the majority of the populace, not only reside, but are engaged in this productive sector”. “Promoting trade in agricultural and forestry products will impact positively on improving the livelihoods of rural communities which will bring other economic opportunities,” Mr Urwin said. ENDS. |
2007