Chair of the MSG and FLNKS Spokesperson, Victor Tutugoro and a senior member of the FLNKS Political Bureau Yvon Faua officially launched the First Trade Mission of the Melanesian Spearhead Group last week in Noumea, New Caledonia.
In the presence of representatives of various institutions and companies from brother-countries around Melanesia who gathered in Noumea for the inaugural event, Mr Faua officially welcomed more than 60 participants to Kanaky/New Caledonia to the MSG Trade Mission.
He said, the FLNKS was very pleased to host the first MSG Trade Mission and Trade Show in Kanaky/New Caledonia and they hope to see this new initiative open more opportunities for cooperation and trade between Kanaky/New Caledonia and member countries of the Melanesian Spearhead Group.
The FLNKS is the current Chair of the Melanesian Spearhead Group that includes Solomon Islands, Fiji, Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu who account for 98% of natural resources and comprise of nearly 9 million people that continue to trade under the most successful trade agreement in the region, the MSG Trade Agreement
Mr Faua added that Kanaky/New Caledonia through the FLNKS Political Bureau is hosting the MSG Trade Mission consistent with the MSG Leaders’ decision to revise the MSG Trade Agreement to promote and strengthen exchanges between member countries including New Caledonia in the near future. He confirmed that although for now, FLNKS is still an observer to the MSG Trade Agreement, the FLNKS as current Chair of the MSG plays an important role in co-chairing important meetings and other programmed activities including trade missions in MSG member countries.
He said he is pleased with the hard work being carried out by the members so far and looks forward to assisting in better connecting the members through exchange of trade, goods and services in particular the exchanges of skilled labour as part of strengthening the cooperation and solidarity of members of the MSG and concerted efforts towards economic integration in the region.
The Chair of the MSG said the participation of various companies and institutions to the MSG Trade Mission and Trade Expo this week in New Caledonia is also in preparation for member participation at the MSG Trade Fair and Investment Road show to be held in Papua New Guinea in November this year and also the MSG Trade Show in Kanaky/New Caledonia in 2015.
He thanked representatives of local businesses in Kanaky/New Caledonia for their participation in the activities of the MSG as they strive towards integrating harmoniously in the region.
Mr Faua also thanked the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) for hosting the historical Trade Mission at the symbolic venue of the SPC Conference and Meeting facilities in Noumea, New Caledonia.
The four main Melanesian blocks are Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea and Fiji.
