BLOG: Trade - UK, Australia, and New Zealand Empower Pacific Islands’ Participation at 13th WTO Ministerial

Suva, FIJI— The United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand have reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the participation of Pacific Islands Countries at the 13th World Trade Organization, WTO Ministerial Meeting.

This critical assistance underscores their dedication to fostering inclusive and equitable global trade frameworks.

The financial backing from the UK for six Pacific negotiators is channelled through the Trade Advocacy Fund 2 Plus (TAF2 Plus), amplifying advocacy efforts for Pacific trade. Australia and New Zealand have each provided bespoke donations to the Pacific Island Forum Secretariat (AUD 60,000 and NZD 37,000), supporting participation of its WTO members.

This collaborative effort has been lauded by the Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum, Mr Henry Puna, who expressed gratitude for the invaluable support.

“The contributions from our partners are pivotal in ensuring that the voices of Pacific Island nations resonate loudly at the negotiating table. This support is crucial for shaping agreements that genuinely reflect the interests of Pacific peoples,” SG Puna remarked.

The financial contributions from Australia, the UK, and New Zealand are additional to the financial support already committed by the Forum for its WTO members, and by the WTO for Pacific Least Developed Countries such as the Solomon Islands.

[ENDS]