2014 Trade Pasifika Ambassdor Kaliopate Tavola, Pacific Islands Private Sector Organisation board member Ken Uyehara and Pacific Islands Private Sector Organisation chief executive officer, Mereia Volavola, during the official launch of the 2014 Trade Pasifika official launch at the Tanoa Skylodge hotel in Nadi on Monday night. Photo: WAISEA NASOKIA
By SHEIK DEAN
The 2014 Pasifika Trade Show has been launched at TanoaSkylodge Hotel in Nadi set to be held at the Vodafone Arenain Suva in April next year.
“This event offers our Pacific island businesses the opportunity to explore and develop trade leads for their development and growth,” says Kaliopate Tavola,Ambassador Trade Pasifika 2014.
“Our goal is to showcase suppliers and producers highly valued Pacific products destined for niche markets also giving Pacific businesses the space to nurture and create a long-lasting business relationship.”
Pacific Island Private Sector Organisation (PIPSO), with its Trade Pasifika 2014 Secretariat, strives to grow the export potential of Pacific island products.
The trade show is guided by the Pacific Leadership programme, the United Nations Development Programme – Pacific Centre, Melanesian Spearhead Group Secretariat, Secretariat of the Pacific Community- IACT Programme, Investment Fiji and the Ministry of Industry and Trade.
Mr Tavola said the show will feature a general exhibition, workshops and plenary sessions, pre-planned meetings and appointments.
Private sector exhibitors in the agriculture, aquaculture and tourism sectors, representing Melanesia, Polynesia and Micronesian countries along with Pacific Women Entrepreneurs are expected to be the highlights of the show.
“The show has a determined focus of securing a large number of buyers both regionally and internationally with special attention given to Australia, New Zealand, Asia and the Middle East,’’ Mr Tavola said.
PIPSO helda two day capacity building workshop in collaboration with the Institute for International Trade from the University of Adelaide and Australian AID which wrapped up yesterday.