Minister Sets Clear Goals on Fiji’s Trade Agenda
Manoa Kamikamica briefed his delegation in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), of the importance of advancing Fiji’s trade agenda in line with Fiji’s broader development objectives.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Co-operatives, SMEs and Communications is leading the Fiji delegation to the 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
The conference begins today and ends on Thursday.
The aim of the briefing was to ensure that Fiji’s delegation was well prepared to effectively advocate for the interests of Fiji and the Pacific region at the conference.
Discussions focused on key issues on the agenda of the WTO conference, most importantly, negotiations on the fisheries subsidies that contribute to overcapacity and overfishing.
Meanwhile, Mr Kamikamica, held a bilateral meetings with the Minister of State for Foreign Trade of the UAE, Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi ahead of the conference.
He congratulated Mr Al Zeyoudi in chairing the MC13 and commended the UAE for its leadership in hosting the global event. Mr Kamikamica emphasised the significance of MC13 in addressing pressing global trade challenges and advancing the interests of all WTO members.
Discussions between the two leaders centered on their expectations for the MC13 and the importance of achieving meaningful outcomes that promote inclusive and sustainable development and economic growth.
They exchanged views on fisheries subsidies, agriculture, e-commerce negotiations, and reaffirmed their commitment to working together to find constructive solutions to these issues.
In addition to trade-related matters, Mr Kamikamica and Dr Al Zeyoudi highlighted the strong bonds of friendship and cooperation that existed between the two countries.