Previous Story
Pacific business groups end Maui meeting
|
Posted on Nov 16 1999
KIHEI, Hawaii-–Business and government leaders from 11 Pacific Island nations concluded a five-day meeting Sunday on the role of business associations in island economic growth.
Three major problem areas affecting development in island states were identified: high tariff rates, inadequate shipping and airline passenger routes and schedules, and the very high cost of telecommunications.
Keynote speaker W. Noel Levi, secretary general of the 16-member South Pacific Forum, recommended the establishment of a Pacific Islands free trade zone.
During the meeting, organized by the Maui Pacific Center, Levi reported that a free trade arrangement has been endorsed in principle and that by 2009 it may include expansion beyond goods to include services.
“The service agreement will allow participating countries to append protocols on telecommunications, shipping and air services that will create a larger and unified market, thereby lowering the cost of these services,” he said.
The need to consult and work together in the creation of the free trade area will be important and necessary, he said, and “Government needs strong, representative business associations with which to interact.”
