Senior trade officials from Pacific nations have gathered at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat in Suva for the Forum Trade Officials Meeting. The assembly, chaired by Tonga’s Ministry of Trade and Economic Development (MTED) CEO, Distaquaine Tu’ihalamaka, aims to address pressing regional trade matters.
In her opening remarks, Tu’ihalamaka emphasized the importance of collaboration in navigating the region’s unique challenges. She highlighted that while the global pandemic has tested economic resilience, ongoing issues like climate change and supply chain disruptions confirms the need for unified, strategic planning.
“Trade remains a cornerstone for the economic resilience of our countries,” she said. “It offers the potential to diversify our economies, provide new opportunities for our people, and bolster our collective prosperity.”
Key topics on the agenda include the Pacific Aid for Trade Strategy, the Kava Strategy, labour mobility, and the environmental impacts of trade. These discussions are set to inform the forthcoming Trade Ministers Meeting later this year.
Tu’ihalamaka also stressed the significance of sustainable practices in trade policies, noting the immediate effects of climate change on Pacific nations. She called for frameworks that not only drive economic growth but also preserve the environment for future generations.
The outcomes of this meeting are anticipated to shape strategies that promote resilience, sustainability, and inclusivity across the Pacific’s diverse economies.
