The Fiji government is working to facilitate access to world markets of Fiji goods and services. It is also helping to explain to the exporters the intricasies of being partners to world trade. This was the gist of the message by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Ratu Isoa Gavidi, in opening the half-day FTIB Export Seminar on Tuesday, 22^nd October at the Pacific Islands Forum conference room.

“I want to re-assure you that government is committed to working closely with the private sector. As you are aware, one important element of the Cotonou Agreement is its recognition of the importance of including the private sector and civil societies in the negotiating process of Economic Partnership Agreements. 

“This seminar is convened at a critical time as Fiji stands at a crossroads in its path to economic development. Never before had we enjoyed so much publicity and prominence in international life.

“Yet never before had we have to face so many daunting challenges. Never before had open trade with the international community done so much to lift living standards and increase opportunities; yet never before had the persistence of poverty and exclusion been so glaring in most of our societies,” said Mr. Gavidi.

Over 30 participants, from both government and private sector, attended the seminar organised by the Fiji Trade Investment Board and in the lead up to the Fiji 2002 Exporter of the Year Award next month.

An overview of the role of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) was presented by Professor David Forsyth, Multilateral Trade Policy Adviser for Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat. Participants were explained the implications of joining the World Trade Organisation as Fiji is now a full member since 1996. Other Pacific WTO members include Australia, New Zealand, PNG and Solomon Islands. 

WTO emerged from GATT (General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade) which sought to remove tariffs and other barriers to trade in goods only. WTO came into force in 1995 after the 8^th round of GATT negotiations with the new philosophy to spread free trade and the underlying principle of no discrimination or ‘level playing field’ for trade partners. WTO coverage goes beyond goods and also includes trade legislation, protects intellectual property rights and settling trade disputes.

Fiji stands to loose 23 percent of tax revenue due to free trade. However, on the upside, Fiji would gain substantially from free trade with Australia and New Zealand of around 3.3% of GDP. Gains come from reduced costs of imported inputs required by Fiji’s exporters, more efficient allocation of labour and other resources, and increase foreign investment.

Dr. Mick Lloyd, Head of SPC’s Plant Protection Service, presented on Trade Facilitation looking at requirements of international trade and implications for quarantine measures. WTO promotes the harmonisation of standards and quarantine and the use of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement (SPS) and the Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT). The basic rule for TBT states that WTO members have the right to adopt technical regulations and standards. SPS Agreement states that members have the right to take sanitary and phytosanitary measures necessary for the protection of human, animal and plant life. Food packaging and quality, labelling and pesticide handling are TBT measures where as pesticide residues and food additivies are SPS measures. 

Fiji, as well other Pacific islands, need to care about these issues if they wish to gain market access and remain competitive in the world market. “Adopt or perish” is the message to intending world trade partners.

The second seminar in this series is scheduled for Lautoka tomorrow, Thursday, 24^th October .