Government of the Federated States of Micronesia

Secretary Henry leads FSM Delegation to the 2012 Forum Trade Ministers Meeting in Majuro

Palikir, Pohnpei (FSM Information Services): May 17, 2012 - The Secretary of the FSM Department of Resources and Development, Mr. Marion Henry, is in Majuro to attend the 2012 Forum Trade Ministers Meeting (FTMM) on Friday, May 11 at the International Convention Center. The Meeting will deliberate on trade and trade-related issues, including the 10 years Strategy to promote Pacific trade and investment in selected markets, and progress in negotiations for the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER) Plus between Forum Island Countries, Australia and New Zealand. It will also address the latest development in the establishment of a regional trademarks application system as well as traditional knowledge and intellectual property rights.

The FSM Government has identified trade and investment as one of the priority areas that could enable the achievement of its Strategic Development Plan objectives by providing opportunities for the FSM to address trade issues, enhance trade and trade-related infrastructure and strengthen the private and productive sector through aid for trade resources and other trade development packages. All of these will enable the FSM to increase domestic production to respond to the local demand and potentially supply the subregional markets.

Secretary Henry and other regional colleagues held the 4th Forum Island Countries Trade Ministers Meeting (FICTMM) on Thursday, May 10, to coordinate their views and position before meeting with their partners from Australia and New Zealand.

The 2012 Forum Trade Ministers Meeting will be attended by Ministers and Head of Delegations of the 16 Forum Countries and New Caledonia.

Accompanying Secretary Henry to the 2012 Forum Trade Ministers Meeting are Mr. Ernest Weirlangt, Assistant Secretary for Trade and Investment and Mr. Jean Bertrand Azapmo, Trade Policy Analyst.

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