18 February 2005

Public Input Invited on Pacific Plan

The Government is inviting public comment on the Pacific Islands Forum’s draft “Pacific Plan for Strengthening Regional Cooperation and Integration.”

Pacific Forum leaders agreed at a special retreat in Auckland last April to develop a Pacific Plan. Before that, leaders at the 34th Pacific Island Forum in Auckland in August 2003 had established an “Eminent Persons Group” to identify options for increased cooperation between Forum members.

The Forum Secretariat has distributed its working draft of the Pacific Plan following three meetings of a specially convened Taskforce late last year. All member countries have been asked to consult domestically on it. An updated version will be prepared for leaders to discuss at the 2005 Pacific Islands Forum, to be held in Papua New Guinea in August.

The Plan aims to map out where the region can gain most from sharing resources and increasing cooperation. It will identify where development outcomes can be improved through aligning policies and processes. The overall aim is improved economic growth, sustainable development, good governance and security – the key goals of the Forum.

Individuals or organisations interested in making submissions can find the draft plan document on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade website www.mfat.govt.nz. Submitters can use the response form on the website, and send their submissions or any enquiries to pacificplan@mfat.govt.nz

Submissions will be compiled into a document that will help inform the New Zealand Government’s approach to the Pacific Plan. The consultation deadline is 14 March 2005.

ENDS

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