Workshop starts designed to address key challenges Pacific exporters face and respond to their capacity constraints
Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat secretary general, Tuiloma Neroni Slade (left), with acting head of European Union Delegation for the Pacific, Johnny Engell-Hansel. Photo: Ronald Kumar
suva
An increase in demand for Pacific products has been noted from China, Japan, US and Europe, although Australia and New Zealand remain the regional traditional export markets.
Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat secretary general, Tuiloma Neroni Slade, made these comments during the opening of the Pacific Path to Market workshop yesterday
“There are numerous opportunities for exporters to capitalise on,” he said while speaking at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat conference room in Suva.
“For example exports of noni juice to China and seaweeds to Japan. Root crops to US and processed food to Europe have been growing. The potential for organic products is even higher in these markets.
“The growth potential of the Asian market provides the region promising and lucrative opportunities.”
Tuiloma said the Pacific Island countries therefore need to strategise well and tap into some of the niche markets.
Tuiloma stressed the secretariat’s commitment to help improve the livelihoods of Pacific Islanders.
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