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FSM continues negotiations for Trade in Services with other Pacific Island Countries

Palikir, Pohnpei (FSM Department of Resources and Development): March 26, 2010 - FSM recently participated in the fourth round of negotiations for the Pacific Islands Countries Trade in Services (PICTA-TIS) in Nadi, Fiji, from March 11 to 13, 2010. Representing the FSM to this round of negotiations were Ms Camille Movick, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Division of Trade and Investment, R&D, and Jean Bertrand Azapmo, Trade Policy Analyst. The Meeting was attended by 13 Pacific Islands Countries.

The negotiations were facilitated by Dr. Chakriya Bowman, Director of Economic Governance Programme at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS).

During these negotiations FSM tabled its revised of Market Access Offers in trade in services in the three priorities identified by Members States last August 2009 (Professional Services, Transportation Services, Tourism and related services). The discussion was also focused on the proposed Temporary Movement of Natural Persons Scheme. The Recommendations of the Meeting will be further discussed by Pacific Island Countries Trade Officials, before adoption by Trade Ministers.

Following the fourth round of negotiations, FSM's Market Access Offers will be further reviewed to take account the final outcomes of the PICTA-TIS survey conducted throughout the four States.

It should be recalled that the Pacific Island Countries are negotiating a PICTA-TIS Agreement as mandated by Trade Ministers in 1999. The objective of PICTA-TIS is to promote trade in services liberalization among Pacific Island Countries, with the ultimate objective to increase investment and job opportunities in services sectors. PICTA-TIS is also intent to be a stepping stone as well as a learning field for Pacific Island Countries' participation in similar discussions with their major trading partners.

For more information, please contact FSM Department of Resources and Development at telephone number (691) 320-5133.