TRADE
and security matters will top the agenda at 37th Pacific Islands Forum
meeting, says Fiji Foreign Affairs Minister Kaliopate Tavola.Speaking from Nadi Friday, Mr Tavola said the issues were part of the Pacific Plan program.
"There will be a wide range of issues discussed in next week's meeting but the Pacific Plan is the major one.
"We will also look at the Oceans policy and other social issues," said Mr Tavola.
"SPARTECA (South Pacific Regional Trade & Economic Agreement) is another issue as it has to do with our garment industry and RAMSI (Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands) will be discussed," he said.
"So we cannot say that only one issue will be discussed because there are quite a lot will be looked at.
Mr Tavola said a possible review of some policies could be done at the meeting.
"We will also look at the technology side of the Pacific."
Meanwhile, Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon will attend the meeting in Nadi from October 2326.
"Good governance and a healthy democratic culture, as recognised in the Pacific Plan, have become crucial issues and prerequisites for stability and sustainable economic growth in the region," Mr McKinnon said as he left London.
He is expected to hold talks with Commonwealth Pacific leaders and Mr Urwin on a wide range of issues, including ongoing technical aid programs by the Commonwealth and further assistance for the implementation of the Pacific Plan.
Mr McKinnon was also expected to brief Commonwealth Pacific Leaders on the work undertaken by the Commonwealth Secretariat to carry forward the mandates of the Commonwealth Leaders at their meeting in Malta in 2005.