Regional growth

THE economic partnership agreement for Pacific-African Caribbean Pacific (PACP) states has great potential to bring about growth and development for the region, says Secretariat of the Pacific Community deputy director general Fekita ‘Utoikamanu. Speaking at the PACP trade and fisheries meeting in Suva last week, she said, 2013 was one of the most challenging years…

PNG growth

PAPUA New Guinea is fast emerging as a serious contender for international events, says PNG chamber of commerce and industry president John Leahy. Following the announcement by the Pacific Islands Private Sector Organisation that the 2016 Trade Pasifika event would be held in Port Moresby, Mr Leahy said the show would help bolster a positive…

$2.2b assistance from EU

THE European Union has provided euro 845.5million ($F2.2billion) worth of development assistance to the Pacific region from 2008-2013. And according to Delegation of the European Union for the Pacific ambassador Andrew Jacobs, euro 68.5m ($F173m) was dedicated specifically to supporting regional integration through trade. “This is likely to continue to be a focus for EU…

Doctor: Health trumps wealth

MONEY is not important when it comes to people’s health, says Chinese Medical and Acupuncture clinic owner Dr Sue Ho. Dr Sue’s clinic in the Capital City has been in business for the past three years and according to her, people are aware of her low fee and many had come in for treatment. “On…

USP graduates challenged

USP Pro Chancellor Professor Chandra reminded pacific students graduated at the USP Laucala campus to start thinking of a new beginning that is full of possibilities. He made this remarks during the USP graduation ceremony held at Vodafone arena in Suva, Fiji on Friday. Professor Chandra told the graduates that as they celebrated the end…

Lifting of Aussie travel sanctions welcomed

The Australia Fiji Business Council welcomed the formal lifting by the Australian Government of travel sanctions against certain Fijian citizens. The Australia Fiji Business Council president, Greg Pawson, said the council has long been an advocate of changing the sanctions. “This is because, whether intended or not, they were an impediment to the conduct of…

Research: Informal economy overlooked

A study on women traders in Papua New Guinea showed that the importance of the roles of market and informal economy were not given due recognition. The report showed that market access was increasingly gaining importance in developing countries which affords an opportunity for reducing poverty, improving food security, creating and strengthening income, and generating…

Border challenge for Pacific

THE region will be a haven for criminals, drug and human traffickers and money laundering if Customs organisations did not work together. And if those organisations lagged behind in their responsibilities and roles, the Pacific region would be a dumping ground for contraband goods.   This was the message by Fiji’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs…