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Mr Ross Ligairi, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Civil Aviation WTO Trade Facilitation National Self Assessment Of Fiji's Needs and Priorities Experts and Facilitators from The WTO Secretariat, and the Oceania Customs Organisation, Members of the Private Sector, Senior Government Officials, and Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen A Very Good Afternoon to you All! May I first express my sincere thanks for the opportunity you have given me to deliver the Closing Address? I am only sorry that it was not possible for me personally and for the other Senior Officials of the Foreign Ministry to attend the consultations. I am sure you will appreciate that our absence was not due to any discourtesy to the Organizers. It was due rather to other compelling and pressing work commitments. But I am indeed glad that I am able to attend the Closing Stages of the Workshop and I bring you greetings and best wishes of my Minister, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau who is in Tonga attending the Coronation of King George Tupou the V this week. It is my pleasure and privilege this afternoon to deliver the Closing Remarks for the Workshop Fiji’s National Assessment of Needs and Priorities on Trade Facilitation, which has been made possible with the generous contributions by the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the Oceania Customs Organisation (OCO). I thank the hardworking personnel from these organisations for their tireless work throughout this week. May I also take this opportunity to thank the Ministry of Industry, Tourism, Trade and Communications for its role in the coordination and organisation of this important national workshop, which I am sure, we all agree, as the first important step in Fiji, becoming a part of a multilateral agreement on Trade Facilitation. Through this forum, Fiji has taken the important step in identifying pivotal areas of interest which urgently needs to be addressed to increase the efficacy of our trade processes and administrative capacity, when dealing with our partners in the global marketplace. In this era of globalisation where the concept of “natural selection” and “the survival of the fittest” applies, Fiji needs to consolidate its efforts in keeping abreast with global developments in trade and trade-related issues, if we, as a small island developing economy, are to survive. The objective of sustainable economic development, through trade liberalisation, simply cannot be achieved, without increasing the efficiencies of the trade-related processes which facilitate it. The achievement of high level efficiency that is directed towards a seamless cross-border trade, is therefore crucial if we are to maximise the benefits from the progressive liberalisation of our trade regime. In this regards, I note that cooperation from our larger trade partners is also of vital importance. My own experience in the public service, has allowed me to gain insight into some of the weaknesses which continue to frustrate the achievement of such good endeavours and initiatives proposed by this forum. One such fundamental weakness is the lack of consistent follow-up after the implementation of the initial phase of the project. It is my fervent hope that the momentum generated by this workshop in identifying and addressing Fiji’s trade facilitation needs, is continually monitored and our feedback into the trade facilitation processes is maintained at peak level. This, is a challenge, that we need to overcome, if we are to succeed. I understand that the outcome of this consultation which took place during the last few days is only the beginning. As has been mentioned by [Ms Meena Hasad] of the WTO Secretariat, “the outcomes of this workshop will be part of a living document that will need to be reviewed periodically to assess its relevance and effectiveness over time”. Ladies and Gentlemen It is also very encouraging to note the presence of representatives from the private sector, relevant government agencies, and other stakeholders today. Your persistent commitment to participate in such an important forum is crucial. I would like to particularly thank members of the private sector who were able to devote time away from their busy schedules, with which we are all familiar, to contribute to the consultation process. Ladies and Gentlemen I would like to reiterate, the importance of your continued pro-active engagement in these forums, as it is the private sector that drives “trade” and ultimately our “economy” - not Government. As the targeted primary beneficiaries of this national needs assessment workshop, I would like to encourage you, to give due recognition to such forums and issues that have been discussed through-out this week, particularly when they have the great potential to directly impact you and your business operations. Ladies and Gentlemen I also note the collapse of the Doha Round of negotiations in Geneva a few days ago and acknowledge with some regret, that the effectiveness of this exercise, is contingent upon the success of the Round. However, I would like to urge us to remain optimistic that our desire for “greater good” will eventually prevail over individual national interest in these negotiations. The need for compromise and the genuine desire, to conclude this “development” round, is required more so from our developed and advanced partners, if the hopes and aspirations of millions of impoverished people around the world are to be realised. In retrospect, regardless of the outcome in Geneva, this will not be an exercise in futility. The outcomes of this national needs assessment workshop, is still of considerable benefit to Fiji, even outside the sphere of the multilateral trade regime. We have a mammoth task ahead of us and the hurdles are many. However, one thing is clear from these consultations - and that is; the urgent need to increase transparency through the timely dissemination of vital information to our stakeholders. The utilisation of e-commerce to streamline communication and modernise our systems, up to the levels of international standards, should increase our efficiency and competitiveness in the global market. In closing, I therefore, would like to urge all the stakeholders to take note of the outcomes of this forum and actively play your respective roles in achieving improved and enhanced facilitation of Fiji’s international trade. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all once again for your contributions and participation in this valuable forum and we look forward to your continued engagement in the future. Vinaka Vakalevu. -End- |
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