Development Initiatives To Benefit Regional Private Sector

The South Pacific Tourism Organization has shown their support for initiatives to develop the regional private sector by the Pacific Islands Private Sector Organisation (PIPSO) and commended their effort in this regard following a recent Regional Capacity Building training session for PIPSO members in Nadi.
The three-day workshop was held from July 24th to the 26th of July at the Hexagon Hotel and provided a platform for the private sector to discuss their role in regional policy making, identify the gaps and challenges, discuss outcomes of the Forum Economic Ministers Meeting and the expectations of leaders regarding private sector development.  The meeting also provided an opportunity to discuss business disaster resilience and regional initiatives and policies in place to assist Non-State Actors, particularly the private sector.
SPTO Chief Executive Officer, Chris Cocker said “The initiative by PIPSO to hold this regional training for her National Private Sector Organisation members is an excellent move – a step in the right direction, noting the very important role of the private sector across our PICs.
“It is crucial that they are included and involved in regional policy making to ensure that support and assistance from both government and development partners trickle down to benefit the communities of which they are a huge part.”
Representatives from PIPSO’s 10 member countries were present as well as representatives from various development partner organisations and donor agencies such as Pacific Leadership Program, Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, United Nations agencies, University of the South Pacific, Pacific Islands Development Forum, Pacific Community and the Solomon Islands High Commission.
The training sessions included presentations by partners, group discussions and sharing of country experiences from Fiji, Federated States of Micronesia and Samoa
Representatives also witnessed the launching of the PIPSO Business Resilience Network (a project in partnership with UNDP and the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade and the launching of the PIDF Green Business Centre (funded by the UNDP with technical assistance from PIPSO).
Mr. Cocker congratulated PIPSO for the launch of its Business Resilience Network.  “It is great news for our private sector, especially in the tourism sector. I understand the network is aimed at supporting businesses to build their resilience to climate change and disasters. This is important for our tourism members and I am excited that such an initiative exists for the private sector,” Mr. Cocker said.
“The partnership between PIDF, UNDP and PIPSO on the launch of the Green Business Centre, also needs to be applauded as it will provide the evidence that the private sector needs to recognize sustainable development and climate action as not only a necessity but an opportunity for growth,” he added.
The training was formally opened by Mr Matthew Lapworth, Counsellor, Regional Political and Economic Development, Australia High Commission.
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About SPTO 
Established in 1983 as the Tourism Council of the South Pacific, the South Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) is the mandated organisation representing Tourism in the region. Its 18 Government members are American Samoa, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Nauru, Marshall Islands, New Caledonia, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu and the People’s Republic of China. In addition to government members, the South Pacific Tourism Organisation enlists a private sector membership base.
 
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For more information, contact:
Alisi Lutu, Marketing Manager
South Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO)
Email: alutu@spto.org or +679 3304177
 
(Source: South Pacific Tourism Organisation [SPTO] Press Release 28 July 2017)