FFA Supports FPA
PRESS STATEMENT
14th November 2006
89/06
FFA URGES SERIOUS CONSIDERATION OF FPA WITH EU
The Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) has urged Pacific ACP Trade and Fisheries Ministers to seriously consider the proposed multi-lateral Fisheries Partnership Agreement with the European Union as opposed to bilateral agreements.
New Director General of the FFA, Dan Su'a told the opening of the Ministers Meeting in Port, Vanuatu today the region has in the past successfully negotiated fisheries agreements with its Distant Water Fishing Partners including the USA and the Convention for the Conservation and Management of Highly Migratory Fish Stocks in the Western and Central Pacific Region.
"Against this brief background, it comes therefore with no surprise that we do have experience in negotiation with our fishing partners where we are particularly successful when we exercise to the fullest our regional solidarity," Mr Su'a said.
He added: " Of course we do have national interests that so often present a challenge to our collective efforts in arriving at a common regional position which has always been our strengthen."
"Therefore, I am inclined to urge Ministers to seriously consider this approach as we embark on the negotiation of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement (FPA) with the EU."
Mr Su'a said the proposed FPA is yet another fundamental step towards the realisation of the vision of the FFA members under its new strategic plan which urges members to "enjoy the highest level of social and economic benefits for our people through the sustainable development of our fisheries."
He said: "We are entering a critical period in our preparation for the negotiation of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement with a deadline of 31 December 2007 fast approaching. I wish to assure Ministers that FFA will fully support members in this crucial period."
The Pacific ACP Trade and Fisheries Ministers are expected to conclude an Outcomes document that will map out how the region will proceed with the process of negotiation of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement as part of the Economic Partnership Agreements with the EU.
ENDS.
14th November 2006
89/06
FFA URGES SERIOUS CONSIDERATION OF FPA WITH EU
The Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) has urged Pacific ACP Trade and Fisheries Ministers to seriously consider the proposed multi-lateral Fisheries Partnership Agreement with the European Union as opposed to bilateral agreements.
New Director General of the FFA, Dan Su'a told the opening of the Ministers Meeting in Port, Vanuatu today the region has in the past successfully negotiated fisheries agreements with its Distant Water Fishing Partners including the USA and the Convention for the Conservation and Management of Highly Migratory Fish Stocks in the Western and Central Pacific Region.
"Against this brief background, it comes therefore with no surprise that we do have experience in negotiation with our fishing partners where we are particularly successful when we exercise to the fullest our regional solidarity," Mr Su'a said.
He added: " Of course we do have national interests that so often present a challenge to our collective efforts in arriving at a common regional position which has always been our strengthen."
"Therefore, I am inclined to urge Ministers to seriously consider this approach as we embark on the negotiation of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement (FPA) with the EU."
Mr Su'a said the proposed FPA is yet another fundamental step towards the realisation of the vision of the FFA members under its new strategic plan which urges members to "enjoy the highest level of social and economic benefits for our people through the sustainable development of our fisheries."
He said: "We are entering a critical period in our preparation for the negotiation of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement with a deadline of 31 December 2007 fast approaching. I wish to assure Ministers that FFA will fully support members in this crucial period."
The Pacific ACP Trade and Fisheries Ministers are expected to conclude an Outcomes document that will map out how the region will proceed with the process of negotiation of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement as part of the Economic Partnership Agreements with the EU.
ENDS.
