PIPSO signs MOU with PT&I China

September 25, 2017

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Wednesday 6th August 2017 (Suva, Fiji) – The Pacific Islands Private Sector Organisation (PIPSO) and Pacific Trade and Invest (PT&I) China jointly signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the Sheraton Hotel in Apia, Samoa.

(2^nd left) PIPSO Chairperson Howard Politini and PT&I Trade Commissioner David Morris shake hands after signing MOU at the 48^th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Samoa

Sharing a mutual agreement and interest in the process of formulating the ‘Framework for Pacific Islands Sustainable Interaction with Asian Economies’, Howard Politini, Chair of PIPSO and David Morris, Chief Representative and Trade Commissioner of PT&I China signed the MOU on behalf of their respective organisations, with the intent of using the partnership as a platform to consult as much as possible on the Framework within their own membership.

Mr. Politini said “This MOU outlines a partnership between PIPSO and PT&I China in working towards promoting, developing and supporting business in the Pacific region”.“It is our aim that this MOU creates a platform for collaboration in coordination and enhanced information sharing on trade and investment opportunities in China and around the Pacific”, he added.

The partnership also hopes to enhance information and resources for capacity building, training and education for China-ready business in the Pacific and establish a means of sharing business networks and referrals. In June to August this year, a PIPSO Programme Officer was attached to the PT&I office in China and working with PT&I on broader private sector engagement. PIPSO and PT&I will use this MOU to facilitate similar attachments and/or partnership exercises to benefit the Pacific business community and its supporting networks.

PIPSO and PT&I China are expected to work closely on enhancing the capacities of Pacific businesses in knowing more about trade opportunities that may arise whilst increasing the knowledge of Chinese investors on sustainable business practices in the Pacific.

Both organisations through the MOU agree to coordinate and share relevant information on their members and clients when required, solely for the purpose of furthering business interests, networks and activities that will facilitate Pacific business growth.

China- ready businesses look set to benefit from the MOU with both organisations agreeing to coordinate opportunities for capacity building, training and education for such businesses. Based on availability and needs, this may see PIPSO facilitating and/or coordinating training programmes through the mobilisation of its members in training, accommodation and budget in both the Pacific and China whilst PT&I China may provide technical assistance, resource personnel and financial resources.

PIPSO looks forward to working closely with PT&I China under the MOU to further promote the growth of the private sector and Pacific businesses in Asia, and especially China.

For more information please contact: Kristyn Lobendahn – Communications Officer at PIPSO on email kristynl@pipso.org.fj