FSM to Participate in the 2nd Micronesian Trade Committee Meeting in Majuro

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FSM to Participate in the 2^nd Micronesian Trade Committee Meeting in Majuro

Palikir, Pohnpei (FSM Information Services): July 8, 2009 – The Secretary for the FSM Department of Resources and Development along with Senior Trade Officials will join their colleagues from the two other Freely Associated States (The Republic of Marshall Islands and the Republic of Palau) for the 2^nd Micronesian Trade Committee (MTC) Meeting, which will be held in Majuro on July 10^th and 11^th, 2009.

During the two days, the meeting will focus discussions on:

• Terms of Reference and work program of the MTC;

• preparations for consultations with the United States of America under the Compact of Free Association; and

• Cooperation in trade and trade-related areas, including quarantine, immigration issues, and sub regional Aid for Trade projects.

Participants to the Meeting will also envisage the way forward in negotiations for the purposes of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the EU, the Pacific Island Countries Trade Agreement on Trade in Services (PICTA TIS), as well as the Pacific Agreement for Closer Economic Relations (PACER) Plus.

The MTC was established in July 2008 in the FSM and benefits from the financial and technical support of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) and of the Hub and Spokes Project, under the Commonwealth Secretariat.

For further information contact Mr. Ernest Weirlangt, Acting Assistant Secretary, Division of Trade and Investment, FSM Department of Resources and Development at (691)-320-2646.