REMARKS: Opening Remarks by Chair of 2025 Forum Trade Officials Meeting, Distaquaine Tu’ihalamaka

Distinguished Senior Trade Officials,
Your Excellencies,
Representatives of CROP Agencies, the Private Sector, and Development Partners,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

1.    Malo’lei lei, and a very warm welcome to all of you. It is a great honor to address you today at the opening of this Forum Trade Officials Meeting. Whether you are joining us virtually or in person, your presence here is a testament to the strength of our collective commitment to advancing the trade agenda for the Pacific region. Together, we have come together to discuss and shape the future of trade, one of the fundamental pillars for our region's sustainable development.

2.    As we reflect on the evolving landscape of the Pacific, we are reminded of the unique challenges and opportunities we face as a region. Over the past few years, the global pandemic tested the resilience of our economies, while ongoing challenges such as climate change, geopolitical dynamics, and global supply chain disruptions have reinforced the need for collaboration, agility, and long-term strategic planning. In this environment, trade remains a cornerstone for the economic resilience of our countries, as it offers the potential to diversify our economies, provide new opportunities for our people, and bolster our collective prosperity.

3.    Today’s meeting is an opportunity for us to collectively reflect on the progress we’ve made, assess the challenges that remain, and forge a path forward that aligns with the shared aspirations of the Pacific people. As we move ahead, it is crucial that we recognize the interdependencies that exist within our regional economies and trade systems. The Pacific is a region of diversity, not only in our cultures, peoples, and natural resources but also in the economic structures that underpin our nations. By working together, we can build a future that is resilient, sustainable, and inclusive for all.

4.    We must continue to push forward with our regional integration agenda. The Pacific has immense untapped potential in sectors such as fisheries, agriculture, tourism, and renewable energy. It is essential that we create an environment that allows our businesses to thrive, fosters the growth of new industries, and ensures that the benefits of trade are felt by all, including our most vulnerable communities. In this regard, it is important that we deepen our cooperation with development partners, multilateral organizations, and the private sector to ensure that we have the resources and capacity to achieve our goals.

5.    The Pacific region is also at the forefront of the global conversation on sustainability. As we work to strengthen our trade frameworks, it is vital that we ensure these frameworks are designed to promote sustainable practices. The impacts of climate change are already being felt in the Pacific, and it is our responsibility to ensure that trade policies not only support economic growth but also contribute to the preservation of our environment for future generations. This is an area where innovation, technological advancements, and strong leadership are required, and we must continue to prioritize the alignment of trade and environmental goals.

6.    In addition, our trade strategies must be inclusive and people-centered. Trade is not just about market access or economic growth – it’s about creating opportunities for people, especially women and youth, and ensuring that economic benefits reach the communities that need them most. The policies and agreements we discuss today must ensure that no one is left behind and that trade contributes to addressing the social challenges our countries face, including poverty, inequality, and access to essential services.

7.    We also have an opportunity today to take stock of important ongoing initiatives, including updates on the Pacific Aid for Trade Strategy, the Regional Kava Development Strategy, and the development of Labour Mobility Principles, among others. These initiatives are central to fostering economic growth and improving the livelihoods of Pacific peoples. As we move forward, it is essential that we remain focused on how these initiatives can be effectively implemented, ensuring that their benefits are tangible and that they are sustainable in the long term.

8.    We must approach the challenges and opportunities with a unified vision and determination. Our collective voice is a powerful tool for ensuring that the Pacific remains an active and influential player on the global stage.

9.    As we embark on today’s deliberations, I encourage all of you to engage openly, share your perspectives, and work collaboratively toward solutions that can be implemented effectively in our respective countries. We face many challenges, but with a shared commitment to cooperation, innovation, and sustainability, I am confident that we can continue to strengthen our region’s trade framework and build a resilient future for the Pacific.

10.    In conclusion, I look forward to the rich discussions that will take place today and the decisions that will emerge from this meeting. Let us all continue to work together in the spirit of mutual respect and cooperation, ensuring that the outcomes of this meeting contribute meaningfully to the development and prosperity of the Pacific.

11.    Thank you, and I wish you all a productive and successful meeting.