Fiji to engage in regional trade talks

We will engage in the regional trade talks but on our terms!

These are the words of Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Defense Ratu Epeli Ganilau after the Pacific Islands Leaders Forum decided yesterday to soften its stance on excluding Fiji from the regional trade talks.

While stopping short of admitting Fiji, the leaders in Vanuatu yesterday agreed to refer the issue of Fiji's participation in the PACER PLUS process to the forum's ministerial action group.

That group is now chaired by new Forum chairman, Vanuatu's Prime Minister Edward Natapei, and it's been told to consider ways Fiji could be involved and to advise the leaders before next year's meeting in New Zealand.

According to a Radio Australia report some countries want Fiji back in if the trade negotiations are going to achieve anything.

Since Fiji is the second largest of the island economies and the hub for a range of services to smaller nations, that exclusion has created problems. Fiji has been kept up to date on the progress of the regional free trade talks but was not allowed to take part in official discussions because of its political situation.

Also a recommendation put forward by New Zealand Prime Minister John Key for Fiji to be invited to play an official role in Pacer Plus, was agreed to.

However, Ratu Epeli said while Fiji has always remained ready to engage in the trade talks, it will only enter in such discussions on their own terms and not let others dictate what role Fiji has to play.