PICTA trade in services agreement negotiations
PRESS STATEMENT (19/09)
29 April 2009
FORUM ISLAND COUNTRIES CONCLUDE THIRD ROUND OF NEGOTIATIONS OF THE PICTA TRADE IN SERVICES AGREEMENT
Senior officials from the fourteen Forum Island Countries (FICs) met in Nadi, Fiji from 22-24 April 2009 for the third round of negotiations of a trade in services agreement under the Pacific Island Countries Trade Agreement (PICTA).
In acknowledging the efforts of Trade Officials, the Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, Tuiloma Neroni Slade, said that “in accordance with the Ministerial mandate, Forum Islands Countries must endeavour to conclude negotiations in 2009”.
Mr Slade added: “The extent of liberalization of services among the FICs would have to be sufficiently extensive so that future commitments with other developed partners do not supersede the liberalization initiatives among the FICs.” He also emphasised the importance of liberalization of services being supported by relevant supporting mechanisms such as basic regulatory reforms and social impact assessments.
The FICs exchanged their offers and requests for the PICTA trade in services agreement at the negotiating sessions. A number of FICs also engaged in bilateral discussions at the meeting with interested parties to discuss their requests and offers further with the objective of having access to specific services sectors of the other FICs.
Officials acknowledged the need for further work as they progress with the PICTA trade in services negotiations. As they revise their offers and requests, the officials agreed to engage in intensive consultations with the relevant authorities, and non-state actors, including the private sector over the next few months before reconvening for the fourth round of negotiations.
A draft report on the proposed framework for a PICTA Temporary Movement of Natural Persons (TMNP) scheme was also discussed at the meeting. A draft conceptual framework for the scheme is expected to be finalised in May, which will be further discussed with relevant officials and other stakeholders at the national level in the coming months.
The officials re-affirmed their commitment to conclude a PICTA trade in services agreement by end-2009, in line with the FIC Trade Ministers’ decision.
Ends.
For further enquires, please contact Mr Shiu Raj, Trade Policy Adviser on PICTA on shiur@forumsec.org.fj
29 April 2009
FORUM ISLAND COUNTRIES CONCLUDE THIRD ROUND OF NEGOTIATIONS OF THE PICTA TRADE IN SERVICES AGREEMENT
Senior officials from the fourteen Forum Island Countries (FICs) met in Nadi, Fiji from 22-24 April 2009 for the third round of negotiations of a trade in services agreement under the Pacific Island Countries Trade Agreement (PICTA).
In acknowledging the efforts of Trade Officials, the Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, Tuiloma Neroni Slade, said that “in accordance with the Ministerial mandate, Forum Islands Countries must endeavour to conclude negotiations in 2009”.
Mr Slade added: “The extent of liberalization of services among the FICs would have to be sufficiently extensive so that future commitments with other developed partners do not supersede the liberalization initiatives among the FICs.” He also emphasised the importance of liberalization of services being supported by relevant supporting mechanisms such as basic regulatory reforms and social impact assessments.
The FICs exchanged their offers and requests for the PICTA trade in services agreement at the negotiating sessions. A number of FICs also engaged in bilateral discussions at the meeting with interested parties to discuss their requests and offers further with the objective of having access to specific services sectors of the other FICs.
Officials acknowledged the need for further work as they progress with the PICTA trade in services negotiations. As they revise their offers and requests, the officials agreed to engage in intensive consultations with the relevant authorities, and non-state actors, including the private sector over the next few months before reconvening for the fourth round of negotiations.
A draft report on the proposed framework for a PICTA Temporary Movement of Natural Persons (TMNP) scheme was also discussed at the meeting. A draft conceptual framework for the scheme is expected to be finalised in May, which will be further discussed with relevant officials and other stakeholders at the national level in the coming months.
The officials re-affirmed their commitment to conclude a PICTA trade in services agreement by end-2009, in line with the FIC Trade Ministers’ decision.
Ends.
For further enquires, please contact Mr Shiu Raj, Trade Policy Adviser on PICTA on shiur@forumsec.org.fj
