by Marie Kauna – EMTV Online, Port Moresby
Trade development is a key driver to improving economic growth, employment opportunities and economic inequalities between the urban and the rural communities in and around the Pacific.
However, striving to achieve this outcome is one of the challenges that many island nations encounter.
Among numerous struggles, inadequate trade infrastructure and supply chain challenges are two primary trade issues that stop many from achieving this outcome, and as a result, the benefits are limited.
To help those struggling with trade facilitation and transport connectivity in the region, a week-long workshop is currently facilitated in Nadi, Fiji.
The workshop is on trade; transport facilitation and port efficiency aimed at helping the nations improve on these areas to achieve a sustainable trade development.
The opportunity will help enhance the participant’s knowledge on the progress of each individual economy based on shared experience through this workshop and allow them to learn from each other’s experience.
This will highlight areas that need improvement and together will help them develop effective tools to guide, assist and enhance their trade connections, infrastructures and networks.
One of this includes the implementation of the amended Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic (FAL) which was adopted by the IMO’s FAL Committee in April 2016. The implementation of this will ensure both the current and emerging needs of the shipping industries are addressed accordingly.
According to Asian Development Bank (ADB) Director General for the Pacific Department, Xianbin Yao, the workshop will “boost trade competitiveness and eventually add significant value to the islands’ economies and support inclusive and sustainable development.”
With the aim of achieving a sustainable economic growth and sustainable development through trade, the workshop is organised by the Pacific Community and jointly supported by the International Monetary Organisation (IMO), Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP).
Participating officials from trade and transport, port authorities and customs ministries from 14 Pacific Island countries are attending this workshop. The workshop began yesterday and will this Friday.
