SAN FRANCISCO, 13 NOVEMBER 2023 Honourable Manoa Kamikamica, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade Co-operatives SME’s and Communication, led Fiji’s delegation at the Pillar I – Trade Ministerial Meeting of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) in San Francisco. The meeting marked a significant milestone as 14 IPEF Partners celebrated substantial progress in the Trade Pillar negotiations.
Over the past eleven months, IPEF Partners diligently worked towards shaping a Trade Pillar aligned with the foundational goals set during the initiative’s launch in Tokyo in May 2022. Addressing critical 21st-century economic and trade issues, the negotiations fostered collaboration among diverse partners from the region.
Several chapters of the Trade Pillar witnessed considerable and substantial progress, including Agriculture, Services Domestic Regulation, Good Regulatory Practices, Inclusivity, Digital Economy, Customs Administration and Trade Facilitation, and Technical Assistance and Economic Cooperation.
Honourable Deputy Prime Minister marked the meeting as a pivotal moment in Fiji’s engagement on the global economic stage. He noted that the significant progress made so far is a testament to the dedication and collaborative spirit of all Partners.
“The journey has been remarkable. In just one year, our negotiators navigated complex topics, producing around 250 pages of intensely negotiated legal text,” the DPM remarked, highlighting the significant achievements of Fiji’s small but committed team.
Honourable Kamikamica also took the opportunity to inform Partners the challenges faced by Fiji, including the impending Tropical Cyclone Mal, emphasising Fiji’s vulnerability and the unique circumstances it brings to the negotiating table. “Fiji, in its good-faith participation, seeks understanding and support from its IPEF partners during these trying times”, Honourable Kamikamica stated.
Fiji views IPEF as a unique platform that expands our horizons beyond the Pacific region. It marks Fiji’s first trade engagement at this level and scale, providing unparalleled opportunities to connect with diverse partners and learn from their rich cultures, administrative practices and aspirations.
As negotiations continue into the next year, Honourable Deputy Prime Minister stressed the importance of collaboration and partnership. “Our negotiators have accomplished much, but the journey is far from over. We encourage IPEF partners to continue assisting Partners like Fiji, in meeting high standard commitments, considering our vulnerabilities,” Honourable Kamikamica urged.
Honourable Deputy Prime Minister reaffirmed Fiji’s commitment to a balanced outcome that brings prosperity to all 14 IPEF partners.
The IPEF Trade Ministers noted that negotiations will continue in the coming weeks and months to build upon the progress achieved and fully realise the high standards and benefits of the Trade Pillar. Ministers also acknowledged that the commitment and enthusiasm demonstrated by IPEF Partners create an optimistic outlook for the future of economic collaboration within the region.
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