PICTA Trade in services negotiations
PRESS STATEMENT (29/08)
3rd April 2008 PICTA TRADE IN SERVICES NEGOTIATIONS – FIRST ROUND The Forum Island Countries (FICs) met in Nadi, Fiji from 31 March to 2 April for the first round of negotiations of the Pacific Island Countries Trade Agreement (PICTA) Trade in Services Agreement after the FIC Trade Ministers, at their meeting last week in Nadi, Fiji, officially launched the PICTA Trade in Services negotiations. All 14 FICs participated in the negotiations. In 1999 Forum Trade Ministers called for the broadening of free trade area among the FICs from just covering trade in goods to also include trade in services. The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) has since been working with the FICs, holding consultations at both the national and regional level on the issue, and developing modalities to prepare for the negotiation of PICTA trade in services Agreement. In his opening remarks at the first round of negotiations of PICTA trade in services, PIFS’ Director Economic Governance, Dr Roman Grynberg reemphasized the need for FICs’ ongoing efforts to consult with respective stakeholders at national level as negotiations progress. “I strongly urge you to consult with appropriate authorities and make the necessary assessments for the benefit of your country and the region as a whole,” Dr Grynberg said. Senior officials from the 14 FICs considered the draft legal text for the PICTA Trade in Services Agreement, including the temporary movement of natural persons within FICs as well as preliminary discussion to identify specific sectors that each FIC would want to liberalise. Considerable progress had been made in the negotiations of the legal text which, together with remaining issues, will be taken back to the FICs for national consultations. Trade Officials will consult with the various ministries, departments, private sector, NGOs and the various stakeholders in preparation for the second round of the PICTA Trade in Services negotiations in June 2008. ENDS. For more information, please contact Mr Shiu Raj, the Forum’s Trade Policy Adviser (PICTA) on phone (679) 331 2600 or email shiur@forumsec.org.fj |
2008