Koya Highlights PICs Trade Needs
Fiji and the Pacific Island Countries (PICs), as small island economies have unique needs, and are at most risk of being left behind by the multilateral trading system.
This was highlighted by the Minister for Industry, Trade, Tourism, Lands and Mineral Resources Faiyaz Koya yesterday while opening the Regional Workshop on the Eleventh Ministerial Conference (MC11) and Post MC 11.
The Eleventh Ministerial Conference (MC11) took place last year between December 10 to 13 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. It was chaired by Minister Susana Malcorra of Argentina. The Conference ended with a number of ministerial decisions, including on fisheries subsidies and e-commerce duties, and a commitment to continue negotiations in all areas.
The opening session of the four-day regional workshop was held at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat in Suva.
The workshop has been jointly organised by the PIF Secretariat and World Trade Organisation to discuss the MC11 Outcomes and Way forward for the Pacific Countries. The Director-General of World Trade Organisation, Roberto Azevêdo reminded the PICs that their contribution to negotiations and discussion were crucial seeing that they face unique challenges.
In Fiji’s view, Mr Koya said the maintenance of the integrity and credibility of the World Trade Organisation is a key component in the mix of global policy approaches needed to ensure sustained global economic growth.
“Therefore, it is equally important that such economies, like that of Fiji and other Pacific Islands, are most in need of protection and in need of a strong, effective and functioning multilateral trading system.
“This is particularly so in view of the proliferation of regional trade agreements, which exclude us, and wherein the bounds of WTO rules are often exceeded beyond our capacity. “Simply, shutting the region out and making it impossible for the region to integrate into the global trading arena.
“In spite of Fiji’s limited human and capital resources, we place great importance on the need to actively participate in the WTO forums.”
Mr Koya noted the setting up of the Fijian Mission in Geneva in 2014, is a testimony of its determination.
“We are working hard to ensure that the small voice of the Pacific is heard, both in WTO negotiations and in its regular work. “Fiji remains fully committed to the DDA (Doha Development Agenda) and is disappointed at the inability of the WTO Membership arriving at concrete developmental outcomes for the DDA since 2001.
“The continued failure to conclude the Doha Round risks undermining the WTO’s credibility and its ability to perform effectively.
“This is of particular concern to Fiji and the Pacific parties, as we rely on the protection offered by the rules of the multilateral trading system, even though some of the rules are burdensome and should be improved to make the multilateral trading system fair and inclusive for all Members.
“It is of grave concern that major economies, spurred by the sentiments emanating from the US leadership are threatening the entire for basis for multilateral trading system and free and fair global trade.
“The global economy and especially small island developing states of the Pacific cannot afford the emergence of protectionism and tit-for-tat trade war.
“This where the WTO needs to be strong to ensure the observance and integrity of global trade rules. Capacity constraints and power differential that the Pacific faces in WTO negotiations, Fiji believes that the WTO can provide a level playing field in decision making for trade rules.
“But this can be achieved only if the WTO is willing to understand and address the concerns of small and vulnerable members.