Forum Trades Ministers Mtg
Forum Trade Ministerial Statement
24-06
PRESS STATEMENT
21 Jun 2006 01:23:33
FORUM TRADE MINISTERS MEETING
MEDIA STATEMENT
Forum Trade Ministers met in Nadi Fiji, on 21 June 2006 to consider initiatives for strengthening the position of the Forum Island Countries in the WTO; to consider the review of SPARTECA rules of origin, and the general review and implementation of the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER), including the Regional Trade Facilitation Programme (RTFP), proposals for a programme of trade promotion, and consultations under Article 6; and to consider proposals for improving intellectual property rights (IPRs) and trade capacity-building in the Forum Island Countries (FICs).
WTO Issues
Ministers commended the work undertaken by the Office of the Permanent Representative of the Forum to the WTO in promoting the FICs' interests in the WTO and agreed to strengthen the Office. Ministers reiterated their support for the Small Economies Work Programme objectives and committed to co-operate closely in the WTO.
SPARTECA
Ministers noted the need for further discussions on the review of rules of origin under SPARTECA, including through normal bilateral channels. The way forward includes a workshop on rules of origin and a report to Ministers on the review next year.
PACER
Ministers stressed the importance of the Regional Trade Facilitation Programme (RTFP) and commended the work initiated by the Oceania Customs Organisation and the Secretariat of the Pacific Community. They also endorsed the Terms of Reference for a joint social and economic impact study and gap analysis of a move towards a comprehensive framework for trade and economic cooperation between Australia, New Zealand and the FICs. The Forum Secretariat will also prepare a PICTA trade promotion proposal for funding under the PACER in 2007/2008. Ministers informally exchanged information on their respective trade negotiations, as well as the Pacific ACP States' consultations with the EU on a proposed Economic Partnership Agreement.
Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)
Ministers agreed to pursue the analysis called for by Pacific Leaders in the Pacific Plan with respect to the creation of an institution for the protection of Traditional Knowledge (TK) and IPR during the period 2006-2008, with equal emphasis to TK and core IPR matters (e.g. trademarks, copyrights and patents, etc.).
Trade Capacity Building
Ministers also agreed to a number of trade capacity building initiatives, with support from Australia, New Zealand, the Commonwealth Secretariat and UNDP.
Forum Secretariat, Suva
21 June 2006
24-06
PRESS STATEMENT
21 Jun 2006 01:23:33
FORUM TRADE MINISTERS MEETING
MEDIA STATEMENT
Forum Trade Ministers met in Nadi Fiji, on 21 June 2006 to consider initiatives for strengthening the position of the Forum Island Countries in the WTO; to consider the review of SPARTECA rules of origin, and the general review and implementation of the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER), including the Regional Trade Facilitation Programme (RTFP), proposals for a programme of trade promotion, and consultations under Article 6; and to consider proposals for improving intellectual property rights (IPRs) and trade capacity-building in the Forum Island Countries (FICs).
WTO Issues
Ministers commended the work undertaken by the Office of the Permanent Representative of the Forum to the WTO in promoting the FICs' interests in the WTO and agreed to strengthen the Office. Ministers reiterated their support for the Small Economies Work Programme objectives and committed to co-operate closely in the WTO.
SPARTECA
Ministers noted the need for further discussions on the review of rules of origin under SPARTECA, including through normal bilateral channels. The way forward includes a workshop on rules of origin and a report to Ministers on the review next year.
PACER
Ministers stressed the importance of the Regional Trade Facilitation Programme (RTFP) and commended the work initiated by the Oceania Customs Organisation and the Secretariat of the Pacific Community. They also endorsed the Terms of Reference for a joint social and economic impact study and gap analysis of a move towards a comprehensive framework for trade and economic cooperation between Australia, New Zealand and the FICs. The Forum Secretariat will also prepare a PICTA trade promotion proposal for funding under the PACER in 2007/2008. Ministers informally exchanged information on their respective trade negotiations, as well as the Pacific ACP States' consultations with the EU on a proposed Economic Partnership Agreement.
Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)
Ministers agreed to pursue the analysis called for by Pacific Leaders in the Pacific Plan with respect to the creation of an institution for the protection of Traditional Knowledge (TK) and IPR during the period 2006-2008, with equal emphasis to TK and core IPR matters (e.g. trademarks, copyrights and patents, etc.).
Trade Capacity Building
Ministers also agreed to a number of trade capacity building initiatives, with support from Australia, New Zealand, the Commonwealth Secretariat and UNDP.
Forum Secretariat, Suva
21 June 2006
