JCC in Washington DC

Government to re-establish the Joint Commercial Commission

Fiji will re-establish the Joint Commercial Commission (JCC), but at a new location, it has been revealed.

Acting Prime Minister, Manoa Kamikamica, made the comments at the Business Luncheon at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa yesterday. He said the JCC was ‘unfortunately headquartered in the wrong location, Hawai’i.

“It should be in Washington DC, the heart of the corridors of power in the United States,” he said.

“The purpose was to promote mutually beneficial commercial and economic relations between the USA and Pacific Island countries including Fiji,” Mr Kamikamica said.

“We can extend the terms of reference and besides strengthening commercial and economic ties.” He said the work would include, security, climate change, protection of sea resources, human and drug trafficking, mitigation, and protection of Fiji’s exclusive economic zones.

“It needs to be an effective and powerful lobby group,” he said. “The JCC Secretariat should be based at one of the Pacific Island diplomatic missions in Washington, DC.”

“Fiji has taken the lead role on the set-up of the JCC. The JCC must have the power and influence to reach even out of the White House.”

He said the United States could be a major investor in climate protection, and a security partner for the Pacific Island countries.

“We must have a strong presence in Washington DC and must have the ability to represent the interests of the Pacific Islands at the higher level of the executive and legislative branches of the United States government,” he said.

“Individually, we may be a small Pacific island country, but collectively we represent the largest geographical area.”

Private sector

Mr Kamikamica said there were moves by the private sector - headed by former United States diplomatic mission staff member Nirmal Singh - to establish the United States Fiji Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Los Angeles.

“While this is a private sector initiative, the Fiji Government will fully support this as we believe both JCC and the American Fiji Chamber of Commerce.

“It will provide a powerful platform to enhance trade and investments, and resolve issues that hinder trade such as quarantine requirements, and meeting the United States Food and Drug Administration’s standards.” Meanwhile, U.S Ambassador Marie Damor urged the business stakeholders present to explore Fiji markets as well.