A team from The Strengthening Pacific Intra-Regional and International Trade or SPIRIT Project , funded by the European Union (EU) and managed by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) is leading the 2016 Trade Policy Framework (TPF) review with two consultants from Ernst and Young in Australia.
Consultant and Ernst and Young Senior Manager-Nicola Rowan in an interview with BCN News says during their consultation so far this week they found that many of the stakeholders believe the 2016 Trade Policy Framework had the right objectives and strategic direction, focusing on themes such as national resilience, sustainable development.
Issues that have emerged during the consultation are on labor mobility, skill workforce and trade related infrastructure.
Rowan says after the consultation they will be compiling a report on recommendations and implementation plans for the Niue Government to consider.
Niue Chamber of Commerce (NCOC) CEO-Catherine Papani has welcomed the review of the 2016 Trade Policy Framework.
Papani says NCOC hopes the review will take into account the changes in the trade environment that Niue operates in since 2016 and provide businesses in the export and import sector some support and assistance to further develop and grow their businesses.
She added Whilst a trade policy framework should also incentivise foreign investors it should also ensure that our locally owned businesses must also receive similar incentives – e.g. tax incentives.
According to a post from renowned Artist Mark Cross on a community Niue Island Facebook page-he is quoted in response to the review….
“For those who have for 30 years been trying to participate in regional trade, we know this is a total waste of time and money without any regional air links passing through Niue. And we don’t have any industry representatives that have the slightest clue.”
The Trade Policy Framework Review will ensure that Niue’s trade policy remains fit for purpose, reflecting the current priorities of the Niuean Government in the trade space and addressing the key international and trading developments since 2016.