Fiji advocating MSMEs as an environmentally sustainable economy

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Co-operatives, SMEs and Communications, Manoa Kamikamica says Fiji is committed to transparent and constructive engagement in global trade, and its pivotal role in advocating for the interests of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Pacific Island countries.

The World Trade Organisation (WTO) members lauded Fiji's efforts in promoting vital discourse on this critical issue, positioning Fiji as a leading advocate for sustainable practices.

The African Caribbean Pacific (ACP) Group has urge WTO members to recognise the unique constraints faced by Fiji as a small island nation and called for continued support for WTO initiatives that foster the inclusion of small, vulnerable developing countries.

New Zealand stated that they value their strong trade with Fiji being its largest Pacific Island trading partner and its among the top 25 global trading partners.

They say Fiji and New Zealand collaborate closely in various work streams at the WTO, including environmental sustainability and fisheries management.

Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the WTO Australian Permanent Mission, Geneva, George Mina says Fiji's sustainable development through trade and investment policies in promoting MSMEs, empowering youth and women, and building an environmentally sustainable economy.

The European Union commended Fiji's vision for building an environmentally sustainable economy and increasing resilience to climate change.

The United Kingdom highlighted Fiji's engagement extended beyond representing its own interests, as it strongly advocated for the concerns of other Small Island Developing States and Pacific nations.

A total of 24 countries and groups provided interventions, including Barbados, Vanuatu, Ecuador, Timor Leste, Samoa on behalf of the Pacific Group, Indonesia, Kenya on behalf of the African Caribbean Pacific (ACP) Group, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Mauritius, Japan, Canada, Argentina, New Zealand, Australia, United States, Singapore, the European Union, China, Costa Rica, Brazil, and South Korea.