Mr. Speaker, I rise to support the motion currently before the House.
On 23 rd May 2022, Leaders from 14 Indo- Pacific countries announced the start of talks towards launching negotiations on the Indo- Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF).
Fiji fully supports the vision of a greener global economy, as articulated under IPEF. This aligns with the 2050 Strategy for the
Blue Pacific Continent, emphasizing the need for nations to coexist peacefully and collaborate on trans-boundary issues, including climate change.
To realise this vision and respond to climate change, substantial investment in infrastructure and innovation, is imperative.
Our first-hand experience with the effects of the climate crisis, underscores the urgent need for coordinated action.
Investment in resilient trade-related infrastructure, such as the trans-Pacific submarine cables being installed by Google is crucial for our economic growth and regional economic integration.
The agreements forged and partnerships established through IPEF are pivotal to enhancing our integration into the global economy and advancing the goals of the Blue Pacific Continent.
The IPEF Agreement recognises the different levels of economic development and capacity constraints of IPEF member countries and makes technical assistance and capacity building an integral part of IPEF.
The Ministerial Statements also acknowledge and seek to address the challenges linked with maritime connectivity which is also critical to Fiji.
I acknowledge Honorable Faiyaz Koya for his participation in the formulation of Ministerial Statements in September 2022 in Los
Angeles, U.S.A.
I also acknowledge the efforts of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade Manoa Kamikamica in taking up the mantle and continuing IPEF negotiations over the last 17 months.
Some do not agree with acknowledging the work of previous Government but that is short- sighted, because the duty of each successive Government is to build on the achievements of previous Governments – after all, none of us will rule forever.
As Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, upon invitation from President Joe Biden, I joined the APEC Summit held in San Francisco in November 2023.
At that meeting, IPEF partners announced the substantial conclusion of negotiations on the Clean Economy Agreement, Fair Economy Agreement and the Over-arching Agreement for IPEF.
The first IPEC agreement on Supply Chains, was negotiated in May 2023. Together with IPEC partners, Fiji signed the
IPEC Supply Chain Agreement in November 2023 after it was unanimously approved by this August House in September 2023.
The motion before the House today relates to the Overarching Trade Agreement for IPEF, and the other two pillars, on the Clean Economy Agreement and the Fair Economy Agreement.
To formalise the partnership and ensure that a durable structure exists for future cooperation at the ministerial level, the IPEF Partners negotiated an overarching agreement on the IPEF.
This overarching agreement establishes an IPEF Council and Joint Commission. The IPEF Council will consider matters
affecting the collective operation of the agreements as well as considering the possibility of adding new members or new agreements.
The Joint Commission will monitor work under the agreements to identify ways to reduce duplication and potential conflicts and enable work between or across those agreements.
To ensure the effective implementation of IPEF initiatives, Fiji will establish a special Implementation Body at the national level,
involving both private and public sector stakeholders.
The Implementation Body will then commence preparatory work to fully participate under the IPEF Agreements, including through private sector engagement and proper planning for the utilisation of technical assistance and capacity building activities provided under the Treaty.
Conclusion
In conclusion Sir, the ratification of the Overarching IPEF Agreement, the Clean Economy Agreement and the Fair Economy
Agreements are timely and imperative.
We find ourselves at a juncture where adapting to changing circumstances and ensuring the effectiveness of policies is of
paramount importance.
As we navigate the complexities of open market trade policies, escalating maintenance costs, and the profound economic impact of Covid-19, it becomes evident that our trade criteria must evolve to better serve our not only our nation as a whole but our partners and stakeholders who play a huge role in ensuring our success.
I invite all honorable members to support and engage constructively in this process, as we must together ensure that our trade policies remain responsive, inclusive, fair, and sustainable, serving the best interests of our beloved nation and its people.
I thank you Mr. Speaker for allowing me to contribute to this debate, and I commend the Motion to the House. May we continue to work collaboratively for the betterment of Fiji.
Vinaka Vakalevu.