FEMM

The meeting also provided an opportunity to take stock of developments in the regional reform process, particularly in carrying forward the positive outcomes of the Forum Economic Ministers Meeting (FEMM), which Australia hosted in Cairns in July last year, ahead of the next FEMM to be held in Fiji in July.

PACIFIC HEADS OF MISSION MEET IN CANBERRA 1998

Government policy towards island countries. the feedback I have received so far about the achievements of the FEMM from regional leaders has been very encouraging and positive.

AUSTRALIA AND THE PACIFIC ISLANDS REGION: BUILDING A BETTER FUTURE TOGETHER 1997

The recent FEMM took this process further, by agreeing to an action plan for sustained economic growth in the Pacific region.

AUSTRALIA AND THE PACIFIC ISLANDS REGION: BUILDING A BETTER FUTURE TOGETHER 1997

The FEMM was particularly significant, given the adoption by Ministers of an Action Plan on economic and institutional reforms aimed at increasing investment transparency; rationalising tariffs and facilitating the flow of trade; improving the operating environment for the private sector; and increasing the accountability of public institutions.

AUSTRALIA AND THE PACIFIC ISLANDS REGION: BUILDING A BETTER FUTURE TOGETHER 1997

The task ahead is to translate words into action. the South Pacific Forum meeting in the Cook Islands in mid-September will be an important opportunity to help countries develop national economic reform strategies (as agreed at the FEMM) and encourage implementation by the 1998 FEMM

AUSTRALIA AND THE PACIFIC ISLANDS REGION: BUILDING A BETTER FUTURE TOGETHER 1997

Fiji and other Pacific island economies are already well advanced down the path of reforms agreed at the FEMM as necessary for economic growth and job creation.

AUSTRALIA AND THE PACIFIC ISLANDS REGION: BUILDING A BETTER FUTURE TOGETHER 1997

Leaders further tasked these regional organizations to prepare and submit through the Forum Secretariat a report on fisheries commercialization for further consideration by the FEMM 2010. 36.

NZ On Screen 2010

- At the FEMM the concept of a South Pacific Free Trade Area was raised.

AUSTRALIA AND THE PACIFIC ISLANDS REGION: BUILDING A BETTER FUTURE TOGETHER 1997

At the Majuro Forum last year, Leaders agreed to:. hold regular meetings of the Forum Economic Ministers (FEMM) to discuss the implementation of the agreed Action Plan. strengthen the policy role of the Forum Secretariat. develop quickly and publish investment policy statements which will accord closely with criteria developed in the APEC Investment Handbook. pursue domestic policies which facilitate the development of the private sector, including by reducing public sector costs as necessary. promote the development of clearly defined goals; and. enhance the region's ability to respond to globalisation and the multilateral and regional trade agenda, particularly developments in the WTO and

AUSTRALIA AND THE PACIFIC ISLANDS REGION: BUILDING A BETTER FUTURE TOGETHER 1997

: it was a positive sign that at the recent FEMM ministers agreed to convey to Leaders their grave concern about undesirable financial activities in the region and recommend that they adopt consistent legislation and administrative procedures across the region.

AUSTRALIA AND THE PACIFIC ISLANDS REGION: BUILDING A BETTER FUTURE TOGETHER 1997