Pacific solidarity needed in trade negotiations
PRESS STATEMENT (115/08)
20th October 2008
REGIONAL SOLIDARITY IMPORTANT IN NEGOTIATION OF EPA WITH EU AND PACER-Plus
The Chair of the Pacific ACP Trade Ministers Meeting which got underway in Nadi, Fiji today has called for regional solidarity as the Forum Island Countries negotiate the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the EU and the PACER Plus with Australia and New Zealand.
Ratu Epeli Nailatikau the Fiji interim Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Provincial Development and Multi-Ethnic Affairs is chairing the two-day meeting as host of the Ministers’ Meeting. The meeting is discussing the progress so far in the negotiation of the EPA with the EU and the way forward, the Pacific Island Countries Trade Agreement (PICTA) and the Pacific Agreement for Closer Economic Relations (PACER) with Australia and New Zealand.
“Our regional solidarity is the key ingredient to finding the solutions to the ultimate objectives of the reasons we are gathered here today. It is crucial that while we hold our national interests close to our hearts, we must not lose sight of the bigger picture of regional solidarity and the multitude of economic and social benefits of which are part of the package,” said Ratu Epeli.
On the issue of negotiation of the EPA with EU, Ratu Epeli said: “We as Ministers would need to agree on a way forward on our priority areas of EPA negotiations, keeping in mind the recent developments and our vital interests in these negotiations.”
“Equally important, our trade negotiations under PACER Plus are beckoning, some would argue that they are already here. I cannot stress enough the wide ranging implications of these negotiations on our fragile economies and more importantly in the raising of the standards of living of our poorest citizens.
“We must not allow our regional unity to be derailed by the short term gains which go against the grain of our long term objectives,” said Ratu Epeli
He added: “Our strength is in our numbers by speaking with one voice and it would also be a reflection of our ethical and moral commitment to be steadfast in holding our region together in these challenging times.”
“In this regard, our priority should be to establish an Office of the Chief Trade Adviser as soon as possible, as the vital first step in the Regiona’s preparations for PACER Plus negotiations,” said Ratu Epeli
ENDS.
20th October 2008
REGIONAL SOLIDARITY IMPORTANT IN NEGOTIATION OF EPA WITH EU AND PACER-Plus
The Chair of the Pacific ACP Trade Ministers Meeting which got underway in Nadi, Fiji today has called for regional solidarity as the Forum Island Countries negotiate the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the EU and the PACER Plus with Australia and New Zealand.
Ratu Epeli Nailatikau the Fiji interim Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Provincial Development and Multi-Ethnic Affairs is chairing the two-day meeting as host of the Ministers’ Meeting. The meeting is discussing the progress so far in the negotiation of the EPA with the EU and the way forward, the Pacific Island Countries Trade Agreement (PICTA) and the Pacific Agreement for Closer Economic Relations (PACER) with Australia and New Zealand.
“Our regional solidarity is the key ingredient to finding the solutions to the ultimate objectives of the reasons we are gathered here today. It is crucial that while we hold our national interests close to our hearts, we must not lose sight of the bigger picture of regional solidarity and the multitude of economic and social benefits of which are part of the package,” said Ratu Epeli.
On the issue of negotiation of the EPA with EU, Ratu Epeli said: “We as Ministers would need to agree on a way forward on our priority areas of EPA negotiations, keeping in mind the recent developments and our vital interests in these negotiations.”
“Equally important, our trade negotiations under PACER Plus are beckoning, some would argue that they are already here. I cannot stress enough the wide ranging implications of these negotiations on our fragile economies and more importantly in the raising of the standards of living of our poorest citizens.
“We must not allow our regional unity to be derailed by the short term gains which go against the grain of our long term objectives,” said Ratu Epeli
He added: “Our strength is in our numbers by speaking with one voice and it would also be a reflection of our ethical and moral commitment to be steadfast in holding our region together in these challenging times.”
“In this regard, our priority should be to establish an Office of the Chief Trade Adviser as soon as possible, as the vital first step in the Regiona’s preparations for PACER Plus negotiations,” said Ratu Epeli
ENDS.
