Fiji tabled a proposition at the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Trade Ministers meeting last week for better connection of Pacific Island countries in terms of supply chain.
This was confirmed by Trade Minister Manoa Kamikamica, who is representing Fiji at the high-level meeting.
He said discussions were expected to carry on after the Forum Trade Ministers meeting on how best countries could leverage economic potential from existing assets available.
Mr Kamikamica used Fiji Airways as an example of enhancing trade in the region as the national carrier connects most Pacific Island countries through its fleet.
“So, it’s pretty exciting from that perspective as well as some discussion around how the Pacific can help itself in terms of more regional trade,” he said.
Mr Kamikamica said those discussions on trade sustainability within the region have also raised suggestions of sourcing products from local companies such as Punjas and FMF and companies from Papua New Guinea instead of sourcing from overseas.
In response to remarks by PIF general secretary Henry Puna on realigning trade deals and discussions to respond to emerging challenges such as climate change and geo-political tension, Mr Kamikamica said discussions were underway to address those challenges.
“In terms of climate change, it’s just starting to look at more resilient ways of planting and commercialising crops.
“Certainly, for us, in looking at our neighbours, you know, at certain times of the year they don’t have certain crops. So, there is an opportunity there to fill some of that demand.”
As far as geo-politics is concerned, he emphasised the need for better collaboration among Pacific Island countries in the area and assisting each other’s economic growth before looking outside of the region.
