Solomon Islands must develop proactive approaches towards global trade if the country wants to see improved national development: Oti.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, External Trade and Immigration Patterson Oti says Solomon Islands must develop proactive approaches towards global trade if the country wants to see improved national development.

Speaking at the opening of a two-days consultation workshop on the Integrated Framework I-F on trade capacity building yesterday, Mr Oti said Solomon Islands regardless of its economic status is not immune to the impact of globalization.

“We need to respond to the challenges of adapting policies and institutions to the evolving trade regime. We cannot just step aside and let the rest of the world determine our position in global trade and in the global market”.

Mr Oti said Solomon Islands must be proactive to seize such opportunities and take ownership over the direction of its own development process.

Meanwhile, Minister Oti says the Integrated Framework is crucial in harmonizing trade between Least Developed Countries and donor partners.

The Trade Integrated Framework was established by the World Trade Organisation to enhance trade capacity building for least developed countries, L-D-Cs.

Mr Oti says current trade between developed and least developed countries created some inconsistencies which points to a need for some form of harmonization.

“The I-F process therefore aims to bring trade and trade-related activities into the center of our sustainable development strategy – hence the need to enhance and facilitate the coordination of donors input into this process.”

The Minister says the most obvious benefit of the I-F process is the integration of donors’ efforts in delivering trade and trade-related assistance.

Source: SIBC