Aid for Trade achievements of PICs

03 March 2011

Aid for Trade achievements of PICs

3rd March 2011

The Aid for Trade achievements of Pacific island countries were featured at the World Trade Organization’s Workshop on Small, Vulnerable Economies on 17 February 2011 in Geneva, Switzerland.

Appearing in a panel presentation with representatives from the European Commission, the Commonwealth Secretariat, the Caribbean and Australia, the Forum Secretariat told World Trade Organization (WTO) Representatives that the region’s allocation of Aid for Trade funds from the European Commission had been fully allocated. This puts the region ahead of the curve in terms of the effective allocation of Aid for Trade resources.

The Forum Secretariat highlighted progress made in the implementation of the Pacific Aid for Trade Strategy, and discussed future plans to escalate the region’s work to secure and implement projects that support the development of trade.

The Forum Secretariat situated the Pacific Aid for Trade Strategy within the regional framework of the Pacific Plan and the Cairns Compact, and identified key challenges for the region including securing Aid for Trade support, improving the implementation of projects, creating regional resources and making better use of market access.

WTO Representatives heard about the region’s plans for improving the effectiveness of Aid for Trade projects, and increasing the share of Aid for Trade received by the region.

Commenting on the Forum Secretariat’s work to coordinate and strengthen Aid for Trade to the region, Secretary General Tuiloma Neroni Slade said: “Pacific island countries are making good progress on the identification of Aid for Trade priorities. This reflects the high priority the region places on increasing trade and creating employment and livelihood opportunities for our communities.”

“But more work needs to be done to ensure projects are well targeted, deliver clear and tangible benefits to stakeholders and communities, and to demonstrate ‘value for money’ to development partners.

The Forum Secretariat has developed an ambitious future work programme which builds on preparatory work undertaken over the past year. This work programme will commence with a refresh and renew process to strengthen the Pacific Aid for Trade Strategy,” Mr Slade said.

“This will be followed by Forum initiatives to help countries identify and secure Aid for Trade and promote aid effectiveness.”

ENDS

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