Maximizing trade within the Pacific region is critical as it will form the basis of trade with the outside world.
Fijian Attorney General and Minister for Trade Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said that the Trade Pasifika 2012 would provide the impetus for growth and closer cooperation among the region’s traders.
“The need for a regional trade exposition, bringing together Pacific businesses to participate and promote their products and services to potential customers within and outside the region, has been long overdue,” Minister Sayed-Khaiyum said.
“Given the diversity and the uniqueness of our Pacific Island Countries, a regional exposition is appropriate and necessary as it can be tailored to our needs and available resources”.
The exhibition focuses on the Pacific’s local industries which also includes micro and small entrepreneurs and cottage enterprises.
In Pacific economies, Small and Medium Enterprises comprise a large component of both the formal and non-formal sectors.
“It is especially commendable that Trade Pasifika has an exclusive pavilion devoted to women entrepreneurs,” Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said.
“As we all know, women play a crucial role in the development of Pacific societies, therefore making the empowerment of women in business an important facet of developing our economies”.
He added that the overall objective of Trade Pasifika 2012 should be to increase and consolidate business and trade within the Pacific region, as this will enable and position countries to take advantage of opportunities in the international market.
“It is futile to strive to be internationally competitive, when we penalise and impose barriers on our own regional producers,” Sayed-Khaiyum added.