November 20, 2015. Suva, Fiji – Maritime transport is a critical enabler of development for the Pacific region as small island nations are scattered over vast ocean space. Access to reliable transport systems is essential to facilitating trade.
To appreciate the importance of maritime transport in the Pacific region’s development agenda, Pacific Island countries and territories and development partners will gather next week in Suva, Fiji for a regional meeting of transport officials.
Eighteen Pacific Island countries and territories, and metropolitan members of the Pacific Community (SPC) will attend the meeting to discuss notable issues relating to coordination and partnerships; maritime safety and security issues; environment and energy; trade facilitation; and capacity development, aimed at underpinning the improved access to safe and secure transport.
It is expected that the outcome of the meeting will give additional results to the 2014 Pacific Regional Transport Ministers’ meeting and will provide substantial input to the agenda of the scheduled transport ministers’ meeting in 2017.
Participation will also include international agencies such as the Asian Development Bank; International Maritime Organization, United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme; Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat; European Union; Fiji Maritime Academy; Pacific Aviation Safety Office and observers from regional associations and maritime industry.
PRESS RELEASE