MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
During my visit to Fiji, I am pleased to announce further practical support
by the Australian Government aimed at promoting greater regional trade among
Pacific Forum member countries.
Increased trade and better sharing of resources are keys to fostering greater
prosperity in the Pacific region.
Australia has an important role in assisting Pacific island states to take a
stronger leadership role in their own development. Improving their capacity to
address issues of governance through pooling of regional resources is crucial to
increasing economic development and maximising the benefits of
globalisation.
Over the next five years Australia will commit $2.5 million in financial and
technical assistance to support the Pacific Island Forum Secretariat (Forsec) in
its implementation of the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations
(PACER).
Under the provisions of PACER, which entered into force in October 2002,
Australia agreed to provide financial and technical support in areas such as
trade facilitation and promotion, capacity building and structural
adjustment.
Australia also contributed $150,000 to enable Forsec, in consultation with
Forum members, to develop the Regional Trade Facilitation Program (RFTP).
Together with other donors, we will be working with Forsec to implement the
RFTP with technical assistance in areas such as customs, quarantine and
standards and conformance.
In addition to this assistance, Australia is providing annual core funding of
$1 million for trade and export promotion through the Pacific Islands Trade and
Investment Commission (PTIC), which is based in Sydney.
Media Contacts:
Chris Kenny (Minister's office) (02) 6277 7500 or 0419 206 890
Jo Elsom (AusAID) 02 6206 4960 or 0412 804 489