Energy Identified As Priority
PRESS STATEMENT
63/06
Monday, 2nd October 2006
Energy identified as priority at Pacific Plan meet
Bulk purchasing of petroleum and renewable energy are amongst the priority areas for regional cooperation identified by the Pacific Plan Action Committee (PPAC).
PPAC, comprising senior Government representatives from all Pacific Island Forum countries, today held its final meeting for the year at the Forum Secretariat Conference Centre in Suva, Fiji.
The Committee finalised its recommendations to Leaders on the first year's progress of the Pacific Plan.
Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat Secretary General, Mr Greg Urwin, says an immediate challenge for the region is the energy problem that is looming due to the Pacific's dependence on oil and exposure to high price shocks.
"It goes without saying that people and industries all over the region are feeling the pinch of rising fuel costs and the sweeping effects this has on our economies."
Mr Urwin says efforts under the Pacific Plan have been made to develop ideas on the bulk purchasing of petroleum to the stage where Forum Member Countries can now take some decisions and actions to safeguard their interests.
Also high on the agenda at the meeting was the need to further strengthen regional efforts in economic integration, including advancing labour mobility issues and progressing trade negotiations.
PPAC also identified the integration of common approaches to natural resources management as priority for the region, as well as improvements of governance institutions.
The meeting also discussed the decisions of the Forum Regional Security Committee earlier this year that called for more attention to peace building, conflict prevention and human security issues in the region.
When PPAC met in August this year, Members highlighted the importance of strengthening national mechanisms to ensure Forum Members are "in the driver's seat" of strengthened regionalism under the Pacific Plan.
"The main outcome of this PPAC meeting was the first Pacific Plan Annual Report to Leaders, which builds on all of these issues, and more," explains Mr Urwin.
"The Annual Report considers the successes of the Pacific Plan to date, the challenges faced, and recommends a way forward in the next 12 months."
The report will be presented to Forum Leaders at their annual summit being held later this month in Nadi, Fiji.
PPAC is responsible for providing political guidance and oversight to the Forum Secretariat on the direction of the Pacific Plan"s implementation and on-going development.
The Pacific Plan was endorsed by leaders at the Pacific Islands Forum meeting in October 2005 as the framework for regional development to enhance and stimulate economic growth, sustainable development, good governance and security.
(Ends)
63/06
Monday, 2nd October 2006
Energy identified as priority at Pacific Plan meet
Bulk purchasing of petroleum and renewable energy are amongst the priority areas for regional cooperation identified by the Pacific Plan Action Committee (PPAC).
PPAC, comprising senior Government representatives from all Pacific Island Forum countries, today held its final meeting for the year at the Forum Secretariat Conference Centre in Suva, Fiji.
The Committee finalised its recommendations to Leaders on the first year's progress of the Pacific Plan.
Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat Secretary General, Mr Greg Urwin, says an immediate challenge for the region is the energy problem that is looming due to the Pacific's dependence on oil and exposure to high price shocks.
"It goes without saying that people and industries all over the region are feeling the pinch of rising fuel costs and the sweeping effects this has on our economies."
Mr Urwin says efforts under the Pacific Plan have been made to develop ideas on the bulk purchasing of petroleum to the stage where Forum Member Countries can now take some decisions and actions to safeguard their interests.
Also high on the agenda at the meeting was the need to further strengthen regional efforts in economic integration, including advancing labour mobility issues and progressing trade negotiations.
PPAC also identified the integration of common approaches to natural resources management as priority for the region, as well as improvements of governance institutions.
The meeting also discussed the decisions of the Forum Regional Security Committee earlier this year that called for more attention to peace building, conflict prevention and human security issues in the region.
When PPAC met in August this year, Members highlighted the importance of strengthening national mechanisms to ensure Forum Members are "in the driver's seat" of strengthened regionalism under the Pacific Plan.
"The main outcome of this PPAC meeting was the first Pacific Plan Annual Report to Leaders, which builds on all of these issues, and more," explains Mr Urwin.
"The Annual Report considers the successes of the Pacific Plan to date, the challenges faced, and recommends a way forward in the next 12 months."
The report will be presented to Forum Leaders at their annual summit being held later this month in Nadi, Fiji.
PPAC is responsible for providing political guidance and oversight to the Forum Secretariat on the direction of the Pacific Plan"s implementation and on-going development.
The Pacific Plan was endorsed by leaders at the Pacific Islands Forum meeting in October 2005 as the framework for regional development to enhance and stimulate economic growth, sustainable development, good governance and security.
(Ends)
