PRESS STATEMENT 54/11
[Wednesday 20th July, 2011 - Apia, Samoa] - Advancing issues of economic management and development remain high on the Pacific Islands Forum’s agenda.
Forum Economic Ministers converged this morning in Apia, Samoa, for their two-day meeting to deliberate on means of managing the region’s economies through strategic policy responses leading to the formulation of the 2011 Forum Economic Action Plan.
The Forum Economic Ministers Meeting (FEMM) acts as a key adviser to Pacific Islands Forum Leaders on broader issues of economic management and development. Forum Leaders meet this year in Auckland, New Zealand, from 6th-9th September, where they will be appraised of key issues discussed by the Ministers.
“At previous FEMM meetings, Economic Ministers agreed on ways to manage Pacific economies through policy responses, such as safeguarding macroeconomic stability, pursuing reforms to create an enabling environment for private sector development and strengthening areas of comparative advantage such as agriculture, tourism and fisheries sectors,” explains the Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, Tuiloma Neroni Slade.
“Persevering with implementation of these policies is essential, and they continue to be the basis for cooperation and to provide guidance for the region.”
Economic Ministers will also be sharing country experiences on measures taken to broaden the economic base and increase growth.
“Discussions are also expected to cover macroeconomic developments since their meeting in Niue last year, including food and oil price implications,” says Mr Slade.
“Other items on the FEMM’s agenda will include updates on the implementation of the Forum Compact on Strengthening Development Coordination in the Pacific, options to improve access to and management of climate change resourcing, Pacific interests in G20 developments, and access to finance for economic growth.”
Forum Economic Officials gathered on 19th July before transmitting their recommendations through to FEMM. All meetings will be held at the Tooa Salamasina Hall in Apia.
(Ends)
For further information please contact the Forum Secretariat's Communications Officer, Mue Bentley Fisher, via email: mueb@forumsec.org.fj.
Caption: Prime Minister of Samoa, Honourable Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, delivering the opening address at 2011 FEMM
Caption: Forum Secretary General, Tuiloma Neroni Slade, at the 2011 FEMM Opening Ceremony.
Caption: Samoa Minister for Finance, Hon Faumuina Tiatia Liuga and Solomon Islands Minister for Finance, Hon Gordon Darcy Lilo.
Caption: L-R Solomon Islands Minister for Finance, Hon Gordon Darcy Lilo; Tonga Minister for Finance and National Planning, Hon Sunia Manu Fili; and Tuvalu Minister for Finance and Economic Development, Hon Lotoala Metia
Caption: New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister, Hon Bill English and Niue Premier and Minister for Finance, Hon Toke Talagi.
Caption: Republic of Marshall Islands Minister for Finance, Hon Jack Ading.
Caption: Cook Islands Minister for Finance, Hon Mark Brown.
Caption: Siosiua Utoikomanu and Savenaca Narube presenting to 2011 FEMM on broadening economic base.
