REMARKS: Secretary General Opening Remarks at 8th PTI Independent Advisory Board Meeting

•    Members of the Pacific Trade Invest Independent Advisory Board joining us virtually:
o    Michelle Macdonald 
o    Vani Nades 
o    Fletcher Melvin

•    Our thoughts and well wishes for a swift recovery are also with Board member, Ian Clarke, who is unable to join us today.

•    Pacific Trade Invest General Manager Mr. Caleb Jarvis,
•    Pacific Trade Invest Trade Commissioners Ms. Glynis Miller, Mr. Mona Mato, Ms. Jodie Stewart,
•    Director PIC Tokyo Ryuzo Saito,
•    Officer in Charge for PTI Australia, Mr. Jeremy Grennell, and
•     Staff from the Secretariat,

•    Bula Vinaka and warm greetings from Suva.

•    As Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum and Chair of the PTI Independent Advisory Board, it is a pleasure to extend a warm welcome to each of you to this 8th PTI Independent Advisory Board meeting. This gathering signifies a pivotal moment in our collective journey to foster sustainable development, resilience, and prosperity throughout the Pacific region.

•    I want to begin by acknowledging the notable accomplishments of Pacific Trade Invest in 2024:
o    As of the end of August 2024, PTI has achieved A$11.9 million in export deals, with A$4.7 million facilitated in investments across the region;
o    PTI has provided 578 services across Forum Island Countries, with 189 supporting female-led businesses;
o    The Network has supported 369 businesses, 114 of which are led by women - these figures speak volumes of PTI’s commitment to fostering inclusive and sustainable economic growth in the Pacific.

•    We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the PTI General Manager, Trade Commissioners, and all involved for their unwavering dedication and tireless efforts in achieving these remarkable results. Your passion and commitment are the backbone of our region’s prosperity, and for that, we are deeply appreciative.

•    In recent weeks, the Secretariat convened several high-level meetings, including the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Tonga. Forum Leaders’ discussions and consideration of regional priorities and sustainable development aspirations underscored the critical need for robust economic frameworks and strategic partnerships. Forum Leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, emphasising its importance in addressing the pressing challenges facing our region.

•    Some of the key outcomes from the Leaders’ meeting included recognition of vulnerabilities within our health systems, with 62% of critical facilities near coastlines. Leaders highlighted the urgent need for climate-resilient healthcare infrastructure and solutions to address the health workforce crisis, particularly the shortages and uneven distribution of skilled professionals.

•    Forum Leaders also reaffirmed the Framework for Resilient Development in the Pacific (FRDP), emphasising climate change and resilience as central priorities. Additionally, discussions focused on strengthening education systems, enhancing digital and climate-resilient infrastructure, and bolstering support for the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF). Concerns were raised about the socio-economic impacts of derisking and debanking, with ongoing efforts to secure the regional Correspondent Banking Relationship (CBR) project.

•    We must continue to emphasise the importance of labour mobility and education in our strategic priorities. These areas are crucial in ensuring that our workforce remains dynamic, adaptable, and well equipped to meet the evolving needs of our Blue Pacific region. The challenges of climate change, economic shifts, and global competition demand a skilled and mobile workforce that can seize emerging opportunities.

•    At PALM10 in Tokyo, Forum Leaders reaffirmed the importance of transparent and cooperative relations between Japan and our region. Prime Minister Kishida underscored Japan’s commitment through the Pacific Bond (Kizuna) Policy, aligned to the 2050 Strategy. Of particular relevance to PTI is Leaders’ commitment to a sustainable long-term plan for the Pacific Islands Centre (PIC) Tokyo office, highlighting the importance of ongoing collaboration with Japan.

•    As we move forward, we must remain focused on our core mission: enhancing the economic prosperity and resilience of Pacific Island Countries through innovation, strategic partnerships, and investment attraction. Our region stands at a crossroads, facing unprecedented challenges, including climate change, labour mobility, and education and yet, at the same time, these challenges present opportunities for continued growth, investment, and transformation.

•    By harnessing our collective strengths, embracing cutting-edge technologies, and promoting inclusive development, we can turn these challenges into opportunities and chart a sustainable future for all Pacific peoples. The PRF and similar initiatives are vital to collective concerted efforts to fortify our region against the impacts of climate change.

•    With your continued support and collaboration, I am confident we can reach new heights and make a lasting impact on the region. Let us build on the strong foundation laid by those before us. Let us work together to create tangible, positive impacts in the lives of those we serve. Our unity, shared vision, and dedication are our greatest assets.

•    Let us approach today’s discussions with open minds, a collaborative spirit, and a commitment to driving meaningful progress. I look forward to our discussions today to lead PTI towards even greater success and prosperity for our members and partners.

•    Tubwa Kor.

ENDS