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THE SOU1=f-1 PACIFIC FORUM SECRETARIAT

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Annual Report 1995 - 96

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Annual Report

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FOREWORD TO THE 1995-96

ANNUAL REPORT

he year since July 1995 has seen major developments in the region, bringing new challenges to South Pacific Forum member countries and to

regional organisations including the South Pacific Forum Secretariat. A long-standing objective of the South Pacific Forum was met when France, United Kingdom and United States of America signed the Protocols to the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty in March 1996.

However, it is the economic situation now facing many South Pacific Forum l' member countries that has required concerted policy responses at a national level as'" well as a rationalisation of regional activities. The September 1995 Forum, held in Madang, Papua New Guinea, decided that the Secretariat should focus its efforts on its policy and co-ordination role, requiring a major rethinking of how we and other regional organisations go about our tasks. 7 \. ,

Consequently, in April 1996, member countries were issued with a blueprint of how the Secretariat would change from 1997.

An important element of this blueprint is the strengthening of the Secretariars capacity to undertake more policy-related tasks. Based on the proposed structure and the need to adequately deliver on the focused mandates, staffing levels are to be increased in the three pOlicy oriented Divisions. We believe that with the proposed new structure, the Secretariat will be in a good position to respond to the region's emerging needs.

2 0 ANNUAL REPORT 1995 - 96

The new arrangements, requiring other organisations to focus on technical programmes, underline the need for more effective co­

operation among the regional organisations. The South Pacific Organisations Co-ordinating Committee (SPOCC), the meeting of

Heads of Regional organisations, provides a mechanism for the various organisations to discuss common issues in an effort to

address them more effectively. During the year SPOCC was closely involved in two particularly important issues. One is the implementation of the Regional Strategy that

aims to improve the effectiveness of development assistance programmes and the other, the consideration of the Report on the Marine Institutional Arrangements.

While the Secretariat's own restructuring has obviously been an important focus, the work of the Secretariat over the past year has been much more than that. Our various Divisions both on the Policy and Programme sides have full programmes. Full details

are provided in the main body of this Report. There are, however, a number of signifi-cant developments that deserve special mention.

In earlier Reports, mention was made of the effort to establish the South Pacific Eco­nomic Exchange Support Centre in Tokyo. It is pleasing to note that resulting from the

hard work of the Trade and Investment Division staff, and many people in Japan, the office is now expected to open its doors in October. This is indeed a very encouraging

development. It provides another mechanism for promoting the economic develop­ment of our member states in terms of trade and tourism development and the promo­

tion of investment from Japan. In many ways the opening of the Office demonstrates clearly the strong links between Japan and the Forum Island Countries. This has

encouraged similar strategies now being pursued with the People's Republic of China and Taiwan.

Arising directly also from the decisions of the Madang Forum, a second Finance Ministers Meeting was held in Port Moresby. This is a welcome new development and

pOints to the increasing role that our Ministers are assuming in determining the South Pacific Forum agenda in the trade and economic areas. That meeting was particularly

successful to the extent that that it felt able to recommend that it now takes place regularly. The various outcomes are now being pursued in the Secretariat

through the appropriate divisions.

Looking back over the past twelve months, while it has been a busy and challenging time, I believe it has been successful for the Secretariat. While our work has been

dominated by the need to complete the restructuring exercise by the end of the year, other work programmes were also pursued effectively.

Little of this would be possible without support from donor coul).�es and organisations which have been our partners in providing us financial andiJjn-kind'

assistance in a wide range of useful forms. I thank them all. With much <.>�'ihe techni­cal programmes that used to be handled by the South Pacific Forum Secretariat now

going to other organisations, I trust that our development parti}ers will continue to provide their support-rtJ these programmes.

I want also to acknowledge the co-operation of my colleagues heading other regional organisations as we work together on key cross-sectoral issues.

Finally, I want to mention here the vital role played by the staff in the implementation of our various mandates. As is often said, without the staff, there 18' no Secretariat. I would like to offer to all of them my personal gratitude for their support during the

past year, and I look forward to working closely with them over the next year.

�'I� '1/1 . Ieremia T Tabai

SECRETARY GENERAL

1995-96 ANNUAL REPORT 0 3

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EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT

During 1995-96, the South Pacific Forum Secretariat was managed by the Secretary General, Hon leremia Tabai, and two deputy Secretaries General.

Deputy Secretary General (Programmes), Mr Nikenike Vurobaravu, was responsible for the work of the Trade and In­vestment, Energy, Civil Aviation, Maritime and Telecommunica­tions Divisions.

Deputy Secretary General (Policy & Services) was respon­sible for the work of Economic Development, Legal & Political, Administration and Finance Divisions. This post was held by Dr William Sutherland until October 1996 and since January 1996 by Mr Tony Slatyer.

In addition to managing the organisation as a whole, the Executive provided high level representation (eg at the UN General Assembly where the South Pacific Forum has observer status) and provided policy advice to South Pacific Forum Leaders and other Forum Member Governments .

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4 0 ANNUAL REPORTl995 -96

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While the focus for the Economic Development Division for 1995/% continued to be within three main areas - Developmellt Co-operation aud Co-ordinatioll, Re­sl!arch, Analysis au,1 Advice and Specialised Ecouomic Assistance, with particular at­tention to the disadvantaged nations and Small Island States (SIS) - the activities tlndertaken within them have taken on an increasingly policy-oriented or regional co­ordination focus.

This evolving orientation was given considerable impetus during last year's South Pacific Forum meeting in Madang which broadly endorsed the policy and co­ordination focus of the Secretariat as recommended in the 1995 Review of theSecretariat. The endorsement by the South Pacific Forum of the principles of what is known as the Regional Strategy also lent weight to the Division' 5 co-ordination focus.

The goal of the Regional Strategy is to provide a practical and a conceptual framework for the countries and regional organisations to determine how best to pursue the key developmental goals of economic growth and improved living standards. Central to this process was the clear definition,of developmental priorities which could best be pursued at the regionalleve!.

The Division maintained a direct practical role with regard to key regional donors. I t is responSible to the Pacific ACP Council of Ministers (the eight Pacific Countries who are signatories to the Lome Convention) for the programming of approximately F$75 million of EU funding provided to the region under the second tranche of funding of Lome IV (1995-2000) and is playing a key role in assisting Pacific ACP members to negotiate post-Lome arrangements with the EU.

The Division also continued to provide advice to the Secretary General in his role as the Regional Authorising Officer (RAO) in the implementation of EU assistance. It also played a similar role with regard to Canada's assistance to the region. These regionally-based programmes will be increasingly informed by the development of the Regional Strategy.

The Division is the secretariat to the South Pacific Organisations Co-ordinating Committee ( the meeting of Heads of the key regional organisations). The Secretary General of the South Pacific Forum is now the pennanent Chair of this Committee.

The economic analysis and advice has become increaSingly focused upon assisting member countries to pursue sustainable development strategies through economic policy refonns. Apart from ongoing assistance to memb�r countries and preparation of materials for consideration by the Forum Officials Committee, the Division was also involved in a range of other key activities:-Forum Finance Ministers .1

The second meeting of South Pacific Forum Finance Ministers was held in Port Moresby in December 1995 in response to a directive from the SoutJfPacific Forum held in Madang, Papua New Guinea earlier that year. Among the n;ajar topics discussed were public sector reform, investment transparency ar.<t trade taxes. The Division's main focus was on public sector refonn on which it prepared case studies of reform experiences in the region. 1l1ese were incorporated into a background paper for the meeting. Niue, Cook Islands, Western Samoa and Papua New Guinea were featured in the case studies.

Economic Reform � .•

Work continued on economic refonn issues following the Port Moresby Ministerial meeting with additional case studies being prepared on Tuvalu and the Marshall Islands. Previous case studies were being updated, and relevant documents have been obtained from international organisations including the World I3ank, the International Monetary Fund and United Nations. The Division was represented at the UN Technical Forum on Public Administration and Development in April and consul­tations were also carried out at the World Bankand lMF. These activities will enable the Division to prepare a major policy document for the next Finance Ministers Meeting.

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIVISION

Trends and Developments A newsletter on this was published and circulated to an increasingly wide

readership every four months. Regular features included reports on recent happenings at the global and broad Asia-Pacific levels which are of relevance to the development prospects of members of the South Pacific Forum as well as a summary of significant events within the region. The newsletter also highlighted outcomes of selected meetings and reports.

Canadian South Pacific Ocean Development Programme II SPOCC organisations met with the Canadian International Development

Agency (CIDA) in November 1995 to discuss Canadian assistance to the region under the Canadian South Pacific Ocean Development Programme II. The agreements are reflected in the Aide Memoire between ClDA and the participatingSPOCCorganisations.

Comparative Study This study of the economies of the South Pacific and Caribbean regions was

undertaken in 1995 by the Foundation lor Development Co-operation on behalf of the Secretariat, using consultants from both the Pacific and Caribbean regions. The Study highlighted. the importance of a stable economic environment, including sound fiscal policies, for maximising growth potential. It described a number of activities and institutional arrangements in the Caribbean which might be of interest here. However, the consultants were careful to point out the considerable differences which exist between the two regions in economic and social characteristics and degree of regional identity. A commentary and analysis of the Report's recommendations was circulated to member countries.

Prime Minister of Tonga, Hon Baron Vaea (/eft), and the Prime

Minister of Fiji, Mnjor General Sitiveni Rnbllka, sign bilateral trade

agree-mm! dllrillg the fast South Pacific Forum ill Mndallg last year.

Labom Market and Human Resource Development Issues The Division collaborated. with the University oftheSouth Pacific in preparing

a paper on these issues in the South Pacific Forum Region. It was presented to a Pacific Economic Co-operation Council (PECC) Human Resource Development Task Force Meeting in Taipei. It has since been published as part of a PECC report and also as the first in a new series of divisional Working Papers. , Fifth Economic Summit of Smaller Island State Leaders

This was held in Niue in Octoberl99S. A special session of the SIS Summit was also organised during the 1995South Pacific Forum in Papua New Guinea. SIS Leaders continued to pursue issues of common concern including the development and marketing of marine resources, nuclear testing and the development of sub-regional investment initiatives such as a joint superannuation scheme, an investment consortium and sub­regional development banking.

6 0 ANNUAL REPORT 1995 . 96

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Heads of Governmellt of the South Pacific Forum or their represerltatives at last year's Summit.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIVISION

Fellowships Twenty Fellowships were awarded in 1995/96 with trainees drawn from

eleven of the 14 Forum Island Countries. Areas of training included journalism, broadcasting, shipping, trade and industry development, aviation security, accounting and auditing, quarantine, maritime legal drafting, library development, and energy.

Kanak Fellowship Fund A review of the operations of this Fund was undertaken towards the end of

1995, resulting in a significant improvement in the disbursement of funds, with six additional fellowships approved and funded since 1996.

SIS Development Fund An additional F$400,OOO was made available specifically to the Smaller Island

States (SIS) under this Fund in 19% for funding of development projects. So far, more than $260,000 has been disbursed for funding of eight development projects.

Short Term Advisory Service Fourteen consultancies were funded under this scheme in 1995/96. The

assistance covered a wide range of areas including tourism development, manufactur­ing and processing, public sector and budget reform, economic modelling, capital flows and policy implications, computer management, port safety and library development.

Barbados Programme of Action The Division also worked closely with SPREP on the preparation of the report

of Pacific Regional Activities to implement the Barbados Programme of Action. Inputs on a number of chapters focusing mainly on activities carried out at the regional level were provided. The report was completed and submitted to the Commission on Sustainable Development in April 19%.

With the closure of the Pacific ACP:EU Bureau in April 1996, the Division is now responsible for the preparation of the regional programme for funding under the second protocol of Lome lV.

1995·96ANNUALREPORT 0 7

The core objectives and priorities of the Trade and Invcstment Division in 1995/ % were to offer technical assistance, provide training opportunities; disseminate trade and investment information and implement programmes to facilitate export develop­ment, encourage cost effective import procurement activities and to promote foreign and domestic investment in the Forum Is1and Countries (FIes).

As a result, the Division's work programme focused on activities that would assist privitte sector development, provide financial support to encourage exports and develop industrial skills, improve the investment climate in the region and increase awareness in the FICs of developments in the international trading environment.

The Division has been working closely with a number of other agencies involved in providing programmes to South Pacific countries in order to achieve a greater impact in the development of the business sectors in each of the countries. A new Director of Trade and Investment was appointed following the resignation of the then Director in early May 19%.

In summary, the Division's main activities in 1996 are shown below under its major functional responsibilities.

Human Resources Development Under this category the Division concentrates on increasing the knowledge and

skills ofFIC government officials and private sector operators in identified areas of need in general commerce, production and marketing, trade (imports and exports), invest­ment and related government policy.

A Workshop on Investment Facilitation and Promotion for Smaller Island Countries was held in Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) in conjunction with the Australian Trade and Investment Promotion Service (TIPS), the SPTC office in Sydney and FIAS. It was designed to provide a conducive environment in the FICs with transparent policies and strategies to attract foreign investment. The Division produced a report on the Foreign Investment Climate in the South Pacific Island Countries which provided a summary of the investment guidelines in each Forum Island Country.

Trade and technical officials from Tonga, Solomon Islands, Fiji and Kiribati have attended short courses in Taiwan on International Trade Promotion Programme, Aquaculture and Development and Transferof Small Scale Farming Technology. These courses were funded by Taiwan, in support of Small and Medium Enterprises (SME's) in the Pacific region.

Integration with Global Economy ll1e Division provides policy advicc, technical and financial assistance to FIC

governments and private sectors to assist their integration into the global economy, with a particular foclls on th(' Asia Pacific region.

As a result of the South Pacific Forum Finance Ministers meeting in Port Moresby in December 1995 which, among other things, discussed investment transparency and trade taxes, in particular, tariffs, the Division commissioned the Foreign Investment Advisory Service (FIAS) to assist in preparing a study on the investment policies and guidelines currently in operation. A further study was undertaken on the tariff policies in the FICs. Reports from these studies were presented to the 1996 Forum Officials Committee pre-Forum Session in Majuro.

The Division participated in a number of meetings organised by Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) including the Ministerial meeting, the Small and ., Medium Enterprises (SME) meeting, the APEC meeting in Osaka and the APEC Trade· Ministers Meeting in Christchurc�. APEC has agreed to the inclusion of infonnation on the FIC investment regimes in their APEC Guide which is due for publishing. This will also be included in the information on Internet.

The Division has worked closely with World Trade Organisation (WTO) rep­resentatives and has indicated areas where the two agencies could work more closely to assist the FICs. The Trade Development Officer of the Division participated in a WTO training prugramnlc held i.l Port Moresby with reprcsclltati\'es from those FICs which have joined or applied to join.

8 0 ANNUAL REPORT 1995 - 96

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TRADE & INVESTMENT DIVISION

Following the South Pacific Forum in Brisbane in 1994 and in Madang, Papua New Guinea, in 1995, a considerable amount of work was undertaken in respect of establishing trade representation in various countries. The South Pacific Economic Exchange Support Centre (SPEESq in Tokyo is due to open on 1 October 1996. Separate feasibility studies were undertaken on the possible establishment of a similar office in the People's Republic of China and the possibility of a South Pacific Trade Commission office in Taiwan.

TIle EU funded a LogFrame Workshop on Regional Trade Development for Pacific ACP States. It identified constraints on tradedevelopmentin the FICS. This will assist further in the trade development work in future.

11,. 1992 CREIT meeting noted the overall lack of knowledge in a number of areas, including marketing techniques, competition forces, market requirements and development of trade activities throughout the region. To address this issue, a \,·orkshop on Export of Fresh Pro-:luce and Root crops was held in Western Samoa in � 993 for the Polynesian F1Cs. A similar workshop was held for the Melanesian and Micronesian FlCs in September 1995. The workshop was conducted in Honiara, Solomon Islands, funded by the Australian Government, the Centre for Agricultural and Rural Co-operation (CTA) and the Government of Solomon Islands. Some 34 government officials and potential exporters/growers from Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, Kiribati, Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands and Solomon Islands participated in the workshop. The participants recommended a regional undertaking to improve post-harvest handling skills as a crucial clement of export development.

TIle regional seminar on the Development and Promotion of Small and Me­dium Enterprise(SME) held in Taiwan in 1994 recognised the need fora regional project to develop the FIes' Food Processing industry. TIle Forum Secretariat, in collaboration with the Government of Tonga, conducted a one-week workshop on Food Processing for newcomers and others already engaged in the industry. Thirty-one participants from Cook Islands, Niue, Tonga, and Western Samoa took part.

Since this workshop, some participants have expanded their operations and arc promoting their products both locally and in Fine Food Fairs in New Zealand and Australia. The project was funded by Taiwan and the Government of Tonga.

Development of Private Sector Activity The Division provides advice and financial assistance to FIC companies,

organisations and individuals to facilitate and increase commercial activities in the FICs. Also provision of advice to FIC governments on the creation of policy framework conducive to private sector activity.

The Marketing Support Fund has significantly assisted the private sector from most of the FICs on promotion, market studies, market researcl and intelligence, exploration of opportunities, participation at international fairs al\O exhibitions, and launching of new products in new markets. Companies assisted were from agriculture, fisheries, manufactured products, garments, footwear, furnituJ({timber and tourism sectors.

Non-Govemme1ltal Organisations (NGOs) rep­re5e1l1atives being briefed ml the campaign against Fretlch nuclear testi"g in the regiofl.

The United States delegation at a conference

after Post-Forum Dialogue talks last year.

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1995 - 96 ANNUAL RE1'ORT 0 <J

TRADE & INVESTMENT DIVISION

The Division has been actively engaged in identifying eXJX>rt markets in its continuing efforts to develop markets for products such as kava, beef, cocoa, timber, coffee, vanilla beans, fish and other marine products, cut flowers, dried fruits and tropical fruits, root crops and vegetables/spices. handicrafts, yam beans, processed food f'roclucts, furniture, pawpaw and wat�rmelons. The companies assisted were from Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu and Western Samoa. The Division placed emphasis on the development of the handicraft industry. It saw the need to change the emphasis on handicrafts' cultural aspects and put more emphasis on its utilitarian value. Advisory services, identification of market opportunities and financial assistance were provided to FIes, including participation at handicraft exhibitions in New Zealand, Europe, and Beijing by handicrafts producers from PNG, Cook Islands, Solomon Islands and Tonga.

The Division assisted in the establishment of the Association for Women In Business for the Solomon Islands for which an action plan, office bearers, and a constitution have been legally enacted and registered in April 1996. The Division was closely involved in the activities of the Tourism Council of the South Pacific (TCSP) in an endeavour to promote the Pacific Island Countries as a tourist destination. The Division sees this as important as it provided a co-ordinating role between the trade and tourism marketing thrust.

The Division also provided assistance to the Governments of Fiji and Tonga in establishing the Tonga/Fiji Bilateral Tradc Agreement. Other Divisions also assisted towards the Development of Unique Bic-Industries in the Pacific Island Countries.

11,is on-going project was funded by the Government of Japan to develop and promote bio-industries/ bie-commodities in the Pacific reeion particularly in fisheries, agriculture, and eco-tourism. TIle methodology used was based on the developments currently in place in Japan and its Prefectures in the hope that they could be easily adapted in the Pacific region. Specified activities ranged from developing medicinal plants, tree nuts and tropical fruits, root crops, speciality vegetables, spice crops, paper and other industrial plants, to oil plants, smoked fish and tourism resorts. Representa­tives from the Agricultural Ministriesof the FICs attended the programmes which were held alternately in Japan and its inland Prefectures twice (1994 &1995), Fiji (1995) Solomon Islands (1996) and Western Samoa (1996). This programme has yielded some pleasing results with most FICs having introduced new bie-commodities such as powdered squash, plant medicine, and organic fertilisers. The final phase of the programme will look at compiling an inventory of plant materials available in the region.

The Division is offering a Regional Workshop on Commercial Post-Harvest Handlingof Fruits, Vegetables and Root Crops to be held in Tonga in October this year. 1111S regional workshop is in response toa recommendation of the Fresh Prod uce Export workshop held in Honiara earlierin the year. The Workshop isaimed at improving and increa:,ing the capdoilitie· uf the F1Cs exporters/gre."el;:i in post-harvest handling activities of agricultural products.

Participants will be taught methods and techniques of post-harvest biology in handling (grading and inspection), storing, and shipping of fresh fruit, vegetables and root crops. The project is being funded by the French Government, Centre for Agricultural and Rural Co-operation (CT A) and the Republicof China (ROC), in conjunction with the Secretariat, !RET A/USP and the Government of Tonga.

To enhance development and promotion of regional co-operation amongst FICS, a project to assist philatelic agencies in the region, targeting areas of strategic business activity was initiated.

TIlC first major activity in this project was the staging in Suva of a two-day workshop for senior personnel from FIC philatelic agencies in November 1995.

Information In addition to the publication of the South Pacific Trade Directory published in

1995 funded by EU for ACP states, Taiwan funded the production of a South Pacific Trade Directory which covered the non-ACP States in the Pacific. With the two Directories, the Division now have for the first time ave. y comprehensive listing of companie�and organisations in the Pacific. The Directorieshavc been widely circulated.

10 0 ANNUAL REPORT 1995 - %

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TRADE & INVESTMENT DIVISION

The Division also is responsible for the Trade Forum Newsletters. The pro­duction of this newsletter began in 1995 with the aim of providing practical business information to FIe private enterprises and government organisations. The bi·monthly newsletter carries inputs from the Division and the SPTC offices in Auckland and Sydney.

The Future The Trade and Investment Division remains one of the four divisions in the new

organisation of the restructured Secretariat. The Division recognises that private sector development of the FIes can makE!

enormous contribution towards facilitating economic growth and improving the quality of life of the member countries. The Division will increasingly concentrate on assisting in improving FICs Investment Climate, theirJX'liciesfortradeand investment promotion, particularly in respect of global changes in multilateral trading, strengthening and building capacities of the FICs to handle better their respective trade and investment promotion work.

The establishment of databases and the dissemination of information will be a major task of the Division. With the increase in staff, the Division will certainly be empowered to undertake these functions more effectively.

The Division's work largely falls into four areas - Law Enforcemeut Co-opera­tio,,; Political, Security aud otlrer iuternatiollal liaisoll matters; /t."'rouse specialist legal tasks; and Public Affairs.

The fourth of these areas, Public Affairs, in the past was a s�rate programme. It was brought into the Division during the year, in recognitiot;l./of the crucial role of publicity activities in supporting the South Pacific Forum's international objectives, especially as the Secretariat prepares to take on an expantfW international relations role as it is restructured from 1997. �

A feature of 1995-96 was a considerable increase in the international relations work, much of it related to nuclear issues in the wake of the French decision to resume testing in the South Pacific - a decision widely and strongly condemned both regionally and internationally. The Division also strengthened its {ole in support of the South Pacific Forum's objectives in the United Nations and other'intemational fora.

Otherwise, law enforcement continued to take the bulk of the Division's resources. In particular, it was the first full year of two major projects - the South Pacific Police Customs Drug Enforcement, and Legislative Drafting to implement ill the region the provisions of the UN ConventioJ1 on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances.

IJolitical, Security and International Liaison As noted, nuclear issues became the major focus of this role during the year, with

the formation of a Regional Action Committee to lead the campaign against French testing. TheSecretariat's servicing of this included editing a special anti-nuclear testing newsletter; liaison with and information dissemination toSouth Pacific Forum countries,

1995·96 ANNUAL REPORT 0 11

LEGAL & POLITICAL DIVISION

other Governments and NGOS; and involvement in efforts to ensure independent environmental monitoring of the test sites. A major achievement for the region was the signatures - after France formally called off its testing, two tests short of the originally announced objective - of the Protocols to the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty by France, the United States and the United Kingdom. Other nuclear issues, especially the intensification of negotiations to conclude a Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, and nuclear waste disposat also took increasing attention.

The Division's general intemational liaison work with extra-regional countries and organisations to promote the South Pacific Forum's interests also intensified. A special effort was made to concentrate on economic policy in support of the economic development issues handled by other Divisions. The Division was responsible for the South Pacific Forum's participation in APEC (the Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation process), and for much of the co-operation with the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Pacific Economic Cooperation Council (PECC). The South Pacific Forum observer status at the UN, attained in late 1994, was also resource­intensive, with involvement both in the General Assembly, and the UN's regional arm, ESCAP.

The post-Forum Dia10gue isa key mechanism in promoting the region's interests with extra-regional countries and organisations. The entry of the Republic of Korea into the Dialogue held in Port Moresby in September 1995 brought the number of Dialogue partners to eight. The Dialogue meetings in Port Moresby were again a very useful opportunity to discuss the decisions of the South Pacific Forum with the partners. The Division also lent organisational support to those individual South Pacific countries which engage in a separate dialogue meeting with Taiwan.

It's all smiles for PNG Prime Mirlister arid ChairmmJ of the South Pacific Forum, Sir Julius Chari (centre) after the sigllillg by

France, the UlIited Killgdom and the Ullited States of America of the Protocols to the South Pacific Nuclear Free ZOlle Treaty

Law Enforcement Co-operation Implementing the Forum's 1992 Honiara Declaration on Law Enforcement Co­

operatiun remains the core of this work. The two major projects noted are now making a Significant contribution at national level in training and capacity building, and in creating appropriate and consistent legal frameworks. A particular focus in the latter area was extradition legislation. As some of the Honiara Declaration's objectives are achieved through this work, new priorities; such as money-laundering and intelligence­sharing, are also being addressed.

The Division continued to provide administrative support to the Customs Heads of Administrations Regional Meeting (CHARM). Because the Honiara Declara­tion stresses that the Forum system has primarily a co-ordinating role in the law enforcement area, implementation being better handled by specialist agencies, a good deal of work again went into liaison with other such agencies also, both regionally and ? internationally. The United Nations International Drug Control Programme (UNOCP) was a particular focus, and its involvement in both the major Division projects has been obtained. A first regional delegation to the meeting of UNOCP's Governing Council was organised. Relations with the Comm0J.1wealth Secretariat, which is assisting in drawing up extradition legislation and in money-laundering issues, were also strength­ened. Other important links are with the South Pacific Chids of Police Conference, the Heads of National Law Enforcement Agencies (an Asia-Pacific group), and the Pacific Islands Law Officers Meeting. A first contact with the Caribbean's Customs authorities organisation was also made.

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LEGAL & POLITICAL DIVISION

Legal Tasks In-house legal assistance to ather Divisions continued to be an important role for

the Division. It also ran a small programme of legal drafting assistance to FIes, and carried out the Secretariat's functions as depositary to several regional agreements. A notable ad vance in the area of regional agreements was the adoption by the South Pacific Forum in September 1995 of the Waigani Convention on the importation and trans­boundary movement of hazardous wastes. The Division co-ordinated the drafting of this Convention, and the Secretariat is its depositary. Fourteen Forum countries have signed it.

Public Affairs This programme has been the main vehicle for publicising the views of the South

Pacific Forum on T::!jor issues of interest to the region. Its work in this area was particularly significant during the third quarter of 1995

and the early part of this year because of the French nuclear testing programme in the South Pacinc. Through this programme and with the support of member governments, like-minded individuals and NGOs, the South Pacific Forum Secretariat swung into action in a major campaign against nuclear testing in the region. Every available opportunity, both regionally and internationally, was used to register the South Pacific Forum's position on this issue.

Each year, the Information & Publications Unit also provides assistance to the hostgovemment in preparation forthe Leaders' Summit - the South Pacific Forum. This assistance is through joint co-ordination of Media Arrangements for u p to 1 00 journalists who cover this annual event.

Given the extensive publicity for its prominence in regional and international affairs over the years, the South Pacific Forum is now featured in major Yearbook publications around the world. This is judged by thevolume of requests this programme has had to deal with every year.

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The Division implemented a number of regid'nal energy sector development programmes and projects consisting largely of regional and in-country technical assistance and training activities in electric power, petroleum, renewable energy, energy con­servation and efficiency, and energy policy and planning. These efforts were in support of the Division's objective to strengthen the capacities of Forum Island Coun­tries (FICs) to plan, manage and maintain their national #nergy sectors.

In pursuing this objective, the Division responded to advice from the Regional Energy Committee on strategies and priorities. In April 1996, the Committee met and endorsed the work programmes for 1996 and 1997-98.

During 1995/96, programme activity reached a level of delivery that exceeded past periods. This was reflected in the number of programmes that were offered and the level of staffing and funding to support these activities. At the end of June 1996, Divisional staffing comprised ten professional staff and three support staff. Funding support for the Division's j)rogrammes was provided iJy the European Union, Austra­lia, Japan, UNDP, Gennany, New Zealand and France.

1995 - 96 ANNUAL REPORT 0 13

ENERGY DIVISION

Lome IIJ Pacific Regional Energy Programme (PREP) Funded under the sixth European Development Fund, this programme pro­

vided technical assistance and training to the eight Pacific ACP states in four main areas: energy policy and planning and programme management; electric power sector de­velopment; technical manpower development; and energy efficiency and conservation. The Programme aims at improving management of the energy sector and emphasises institutional strengthening of both public and private organisations in the Pacific ACP States.

Regional workshops were also conducted during the year on the development and implementation of an energy conservation programme, petroleum sector develop­ment, as well as on policies for improving efficiency, among others. Also, ACP States participated in workshops on petroleum storage and handling, training in marketing in demand side management, and energy demand survey and data collection.

In the power sector, the focus wason supply side management; a generation and distribution efficiency study wascommissiuned in three utilities in order to develop loss reduction programmes to address areas of high loss.

Under the Manpower Development Plan, nine technical training courses were conducted covering operation and maintenance of diesel generators, two-stroke and four· stroke engines, PV systems, re&igeration and air·conditioning, and icemaking machines. A total of 1,640 person/ days of training was delivered to 149 participants during the year.

In energy conservation, projects were prepared for four ACP countries with a focus on public awareness, the education sector and the development of private sector expertise. Significant progress had been made with an Energy Conservation Awareness Programme in Schools in which the University of the South Pacific was providing technical support; and seven teacher training workshops involving forty teachers were conducted.

An independent mid-term review of PREP was undertaken by a consulting team from Carl Bra International. The consultants' final report was completed in July 1996.

Small Energy Projects Programme This programme provided a flexible sourceofdi ... cretionary funds that can assist

in meeting the project needs ofFICs. It also provided support for worthwhile regional project activities not covered by other Divisional programmes. Six new projects costing FS155,OOO were undertaken during 1996.

Projects which were completed during 1995/96 included production of an energy efficiency advisory booklet for the residential sector; a regional study of solar drying potential; efficient lighting for Mitiaro Island and PY pumping system for Pukapuka Island both in the Cook Islands; DC converters for theSolar EnergyCompany in Kiribati; petroleum safety awareness in Tonga; air conditioner timers; and a PV power system for a refurbished satellite earth station for Tuvalu.

Activities which were either on·going or commenced during the reporting period included a wind and solar monitoring programme covering Fiji, Tonga, Vanuatu, Cook Islands and Niue.

Others were a regional computer virus protection project, regional solar water heater training equi pment, prod uction of an advisory booklet on solardrying; a regional baseline study on energy efficiency labelling and standards for electrical appliances and an Energy Economy and Environment project for Tonga; a PV pumping system for Niue; and a PV power system for a secondary school in Kiribati.

Lome II Pacific Regional Energy Programme This Programme was completed during 1995/%. The last major component of

this Programme was the regional PY Follow-up Project for which a final report was distributed in March 1996. It covered Fiji, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Tonga and Tuvalu. Total expenditure on the project wa$ F$1 .5 million.

The PY Follow-up Project accomplished its priMary goals of training and c!emonstration and the expansion of rural electrification through PV. The responses of recipient governments, implementing organisations and users of the services provided under the PY Follow-up Project have been positive. The integrated approach totraining and hardware provision was successful.

14 0 ANNUAL REPORT 1995·96

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Participallts at a workshop organised by the Trade Division in July.

--

ENERGY DIVISION

UNDP Power Sector Project Funded by the UNDP, this Project was in its third and final year. It provided

technical assistance and technical and management training to the power utilities in the region. Two rna jor projects were completed in strategic corporate planning and demand side management (DSM). Corporate plans were finalised for six utilities and training in the development of corporate plans was provided to two others. DSM potential studies were completed for ten utilities and several programmes applicable to most FIes were identified. Follow-up projects were to be undertaken, in efficient lighting and appliance labelling and standards.

During 1995-96, four technical training courses and four management work­shops were conclucted. In addition, short term technical assistance was provided to utilities in Western S�moa, Kosrae and Yap in the Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands, Tuvalu and Palau. Environmental audits of five power utilities were also undertaken, followed by a workshop.

Total UNDP funding for the Project over its three-year period was expected to be about US$l million. A tenninal project review was due to be undertaken in August 19%.

GTZ Regional Energy Counselling Project This Project was directed at strengthening the rural energy planning capacity of

selected FlCs and was primarily focused on micro hydropower schemes (MHP) with the development of a model scheme in Vanuatu.

Three missions were completed by the consulting company I FICHTNER, which provided technical assistance services to the Project. Work in Vanuatu included the preparation of a feasibility study for the selected site which was being developed as a model MHP scheme and the preparation of pre-feasibility studies for other potential sites. Progress with the MHP component of the Project has been slower than originally programmed and is now due to be completed in June 1997. A workshop on the design of civil and hydraulic structures was conducted in Fiji for participants from the four countries currently developing their hydropower resource. A training programme for Fiji wascompleted on the identification of hydropower sites, hydraulic calculationsand the preparation of pre-feasibility studies.

UNDP Small Diesel Training Workshops Programme Seven countries participated. in this Programme which focused on the operation

and maintenance of small diesel generators. It concluded in December 1995. Since October 1993, there have been 26 workshops providing training for'a total of 305 operators from seven Pacific Island countries. The major participating countries, Fiji and Tonga, identified Significant benefits and savingsasa result of the training provided. to the operators of their rural diesel generator systems. Total expendihjte on the project was US$90,OOO, of which US$80,OOO came from UNDP. i ," Petroleum sector

The Division continued to work closely with FlCso� range of petroleum issues, particularly those associated with pricing, safety and the environment. Advice on contract negotiations and contract documentation war provided to Niue, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Palau. Assistance with price control negotiations and price moni­toring was provided to Tonga, Western Samoa, Solomon Islands and FSM.

A regional workshop was held on the storage and handling of petroleum products in Fiji and two sub-regional work�hops were held ilhsM covering petroleum product pricing and the storage and handling of petroleum products. The data base on petroleum product supply and demand and pricing had been maintained and Oil Briefs continued to be published but on a less frequent basis.

In February 19%, the Government of Fiji announced the standard for motor spirit to be used in Fiji up to the year 2000: the octane number (RON value) would not reduce below % and the lead content not exceed 0.3 grams per litre and, by the year 2000, the Fiji Government will ban completely the importation of motor vehicles that run on leaded motor spirit. The oil industry is already complying with this fuel specification; FlCs whose supplies enter through Fiji will also be using this grade of fuel.

1995 - 96 ANNUAL REPORT 0 15

CIVIL AVIATION DIVISION

Asa direct result of this process, the European Union agreed to provide regional funding assistance under the First Protocol of Lome IV for improved communications and aviation security equipment. and services for the primary airfields, of the eight ACP lEU Pacific States. This programme was co-ordinated by the Civil Aviation Division.

Moreover, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) commissioned a regional study aimed at facilitating the effective introduction by ICAO of the Global Future Air Navigation Systems (FANS) based on satellite technology. The ADB also commissioned a second study to look at ways and means of enhancing the effectiveness and viability of the region'S air transport services, and air transport services involving sub-regional groupings of FICS. This work is continuing.

Other strategies undertaken included a regional approach to the provision of calibration flight inspection services for aeronautical facilities of all FICs and a regional approach to standardising aviation security services and equipment at all FICs' interna­tional airports.

Strategies approved but yet to be addressed included: - a review of current arrangements in the collection of aeronautical information

required for the preparation of the South Pacific Guide with a cost/benefit analysis for setting up a regional office for this purpose; and

- the study to pxamine on a cost/benefit ba5;s the <;ctting up of a regional pool of civil aviation expertise to be sourced as and when required by FICs, and suggest how it might be funded.

Association of South Pacific Airlines (ASPA) The Division continued to maintain a liaison role with ASPA on developments

in air transport in the region and attends the Annual General Meetings of ASP A in an observer capacity. ASPA promoted co-operation amongst its member airlines and between its member airlines and the industry service providers. As an Association, it facilitated and c(}-ordinated training programmes for and on behalf of its member airlines which received little or no funding support from the region's traditional international aid institutions.

The operations of ASP A's FICs member airlines became the subject of a consultancy which was commissioned after a directive by the South Pacific Forum in Brisbane in 1994. South Pacific Forum Leaders agreed there was a need to deal with airline losses and to seek options for rationalisation of air services to improve frequency and viability.

ThE'airlines participated fully in thiscxcrcisc, :lOd,at a special meeting convened l:'etween the Airline Operators and Aviation Officials agreed, inter alia, that since the Brisbane Forum a numberof co-operative arrangements amongst the airlines, had been put in place, resulting in positive financial outcomes and greater rationalisation. AsPA will continue to pursue at the airline level the following options to improve airline performance:

• code sharing arrangements; • joint leases, not restricted to aircraft only; • collaborative training programmes, also in management; • jOint marketing, airline and tourism bodies.

The Future Over the years it had become quite apparent that most of the Civil Aviation

work programmes were essentially national ones which would be better co-ordinated at the national level, perhaps through bilateral funding arrangements. Hence, the decision to close down the programme by the end of 1996 was timely.

However, the Small Island States (SrS) are likely torequireregional assistance for �I)me time yet lo dC.JI with matter!' unilluC to their pdrticul lr development needs in the ( Ivil aviation sector because of lack of suitably qualified and experienced personnel at the national leveL

18 0 ANNUAL REPOtU I995 - %

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.1 ,t ,

The Maritime Dlvision is one of five technical programmes administered by the South Pacific Forum Secretariat. It began more than a decade ago and in 1989 it became a fully-fledged Division with a mandate to co-ordinate the New Zealand Government­funded South Pacific Forum Maritime Programme (SPFMP).

Its objective was to facilitate human resource development activities aimed at strengthening national capacity towards developing a safe, cost-effective and efficient maritime sector that meets the needs of member countries.

In 1995, the South Pacific Forum endorsed a recommendation toeither phase out or transfer technical programmes administered by the Secretariat by 1 January 1997. Consequently, the Division's Work Programme in 1996 was confined to projects funded by the Canadian Government under its Regional Maritime Legal Assistance and those funded by the New Zealand Government under its Regional Marine Training.

legislative Support - Regional Maritime Legal Advisor This programme was funded, initially for two years, by the Canadian Govern­

ment through the Canadian International Dev.elopment Agency (CIDA). It has since been extended by 18 months to April 1997. A further extension was under consideration by the Government of Canada.

Forum Island Countries have derived considerable benefit &om this programme. l1\rough it, PICs have been assisted to develop internationally acceptable marine training programmes and locally recognised marine qualifications for seafarers.

They were also assisted in upgrading, reorganising and expanding their national maritime laws which would enable them to accede to and comply with a number of international maritime conventions. TIlese conventions have incorporated safety and environment measures with spin-off benefits in trade and employment.

In particular, assistance was provided to the Cook Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Solomon Islands and Western Samoa in the revision to their Shipping Acts. Tonga was helped in the development of its Prevention of Marine Pollution Act while Fiji received similar assistance in the marine pollution component of its Sustain­able Development Act.

Papua New Guinea and Cook Islands were assisted in the development of their new Ports Authority legislations. A request for similar assistance has been received &om Niue. Assistance was also provided in drafting several sets of national regulations such as Registration of Vessels, Safety of Life at Sea, Employment ofSe,\men, Wreck and Salvage, Pilotage, Fishing Vessels and Small Craft and Legislation on Carriage of Goods by Sea.

Maintaining this level of support in future will be a major c�lenge for island member countries wishing to have basic modem shipping legisla9;�>n and sufficient regulations to support it. The other challenge is the need to have uf\ifOrm regional laws which not only prohibit marine pollution, but spell out how todeal wIth such emergencies.

Because it provided such critically needed ass�tance, the Forum Maritime Programme continues to be regarded as high priority in the context of member countries' development plans.

�

Training Support - Regional Marine Training Coordinator The need to develop uniform regional training standards in the Pacific Islands

was identified in the Regional Maritime Training Plan published in 1993. This has since been expanded to iTlcludeco-ordinatilig developments in regional

maritime education and training, promotion of Maritime Human Resource Planning, institution building through procurement, staff development, inter-institutional co­operation and new training technology, including distance delivery.

An FICs Wide-appraisal mission was undertaken earlier this year to identify resource and equipment availability necessary for the enhancement of maritime edu­cation and training to meet international standards.

Country reports arising from discussions with maritime, fisheries administra­tions and training institutions have been sent to member countries for their consider­ation and follow-up work.

1995 · 96 ANNUAL REPORT 0 19

MARITIME DIVISION

The urgency of these issues was brought to the fore by the coming into force of the 1995 Amendments to the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Convention 1978. Because the deadline for compliance was tight and the requirements unyielding, assistance was provided under this programme to many island member countries as a matter of urgency to ensure they comply with these new standards.

Major administrative changes, including new legislation, had to be enacted. As well, new higher standards for the training and certification of the region's seafarers, lecturers and examiners had to be introduced . The region's inspectors or surveyors also have to be trained in their new duties as there are penalties in the Conventions for unwarranted delays to vessels.

Unless these standards are met, seafarers holding qualifications issued by countries within the region would not be recognised as competent, and the ships on which they served would be deemed unseaworthy by port state control authorities.

Such a situation could be devastating for some island member countries, such as Kiribati and Tuvalu, as they derive a large component oftheirGDPs in foreign exchange remittances from their local seafarers serving on foreign-registered ships.

Tonga, Western Samoa and Fiji could also be affected because their nationals serve on foreign-registered ships, or their nationally-registered ships trade internation­ally. It is a responsibility of individual States within the region to enforce Port State Control in respect of their own and foreign ships entering their ports. This is a requirement under the provisions ofSTCW Convention and the SOLAS 1974, Loadline and MARPOL 73/78 Conventions.

Over the years, projects undertaken under the South Pacific Forum Maritime Programme were in line with the priority set by the Regional Maritime Committee and the Regional Shipping Council. Priority projects included the development of an integrated regional maritime development plan compatible with the regional strategy. The aim was to assist member countries to manage their maritime sector in accordance with international standards and practices.

Training provided under the SPFMP over the years was directed at national capacity building to maximise self-sufficiency in the region's maritime sector, using all essential training resources. Trainingoftrainers has been encouraged to ensure member countries have a core group of qualified people to provide in-country training.

Six lawyers from the Marine and Attorney General's departments in several island member countries have undergone training provided under the Regional Maritime Legal Internship programme by theendof1996. TIle Federated States of Micronesia was the first to benefit from this programme, funded under the South Pacific Forum Secretariat's Fellowship Scheme.

Assistance was provided in other areas as well. For example, maritime technical assistance was provided, including advice to member countries on the alternatives to improving shipping services between countries, and determining the viability of regional and/or sub-regional shipping services.

Workshop 011 the Deve­lopment of Mnr;t;me

Rndiocommzl1I;catioll ;1/ the South Pacific

CaUl/tries

20 0 ANNUAL REPORT 1995 - 96

\ . .

MARITIME DIVISION

Other Programme Activities In April 1996, the inaugural meeting ofthe South Pacific Association of Maritime

Training Institutions and Maritime Administrations was convened at the Forum Sec­retariat in Suva. This was also attended by representatives from the Maritime Safety Authority of New Zealand, Australian Maritime Safety Authority, the International Maritime Organisation in London and the South Pacific Commission. Participants adopted the Articles of Association, the scope of its work and elected office bearers. The next meeting was scheduled for December 19%.

A Strategic Management Workshop for Senior Maritime Executives was held at the South Pacific Forum Secretariat headquarters 22 January to 2 February 199�. Nineteen participants from the Maritime and Port AdministrationS' and the private sector attended.

France agreed to fund a Port State Control Seminar later this year to appraise FICs of port state control measures and procedures and to seek the views of FIes on appropriate ship surveyor (inspectors) training programmes. France also agreed to fund a Port Engineers' Workshop scheduled to be held in Honiara, Solomon Islands in September 1996 to coincide with the 22nd South Pacific Ports Association Conference.

The objective is to promote regional co-operation in port development, through sharing of professional, engineering knowledge and experience in the areas of port planning, design, construction, maintenance and repair of port in&astructure and facilities.

The Future Infonnal discussions on possible funding support to continue the programme

beyond 1996 have been held with key traditional donors, including the European Union (ElJ) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO). Similar discussions were held with SPC and the ESCAP Pacific Operations Centre (EPOC) in Port Vila, Vanuatu as a possible home for maintaining a regional maritime technical support centre for the region.

The main objective of the Telecommunications Division Programme is to foster re�onal co-operation and promote national self-reliance�

.� the region's telecommuni-cations sector. '!

Through its technical assistance programmes and training, the Division has been successful in doing this, particularly through its training programme funded initially by the European Union, and in recent years by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Telecommunications organisations as well as member governments have ben­efited from these training programmes. Assistance continued to be provided to member governments in other key areas.

1995 -96 ANNUAL REPORT 0 21

TELECOMMUNICATIONS DIVISION

DEVELOPMENT The Division has b�n co-ordinating the introduction into the South Pacific

region of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS). Due to be introduced world-wide by February 1999, this global communication system will improve maritime safety communications with new digital techniques and satellite communications.

In collaboration with the International Telecommunications Union (lTU), the Division assisted Forum Island Countries (FICS) to prepare consistent national radio communication development plans which would be integrated into a regional plan. This assistance was in the form of three regional workshops and seminars. The last of these was held in August 19%.

Technical assistance was also provided to the Republic of the Marshall Islands and Solomon Islands to improve their national radio broadcast transmissions.

Information Assistance was provided to member countries on administrative, regulatory,

planning, and technical systems and resources consistent with national priorities and in the spirit of regional co-operation.

This Wd� dUlle thr(,ugh a number of meetings, ·.vhi..:h discussed such topics as International Accounting Rates, Quality Service in Telecommunications Networks and new Low Earth Orbit satellite systems and their application in the region.

A Pacific Communications and Computing forum, which combined a trade show and seminar, was organised in August 1995 with some 44 computing and communica tions companies exh ibiting their prod ucts, as part of the Division's informa­tion dissemination strategy. Delegates from 17 countries took part.

Representatives of these Finns also presented papers and demonstrated their wares, including a demonstration on the Internet, optic fibre technology and other developments of interest to the Pacific Island Countries.

The Division was also responsible forthe production of a number of publications in 1995. These included A Bibliography o/Teiecommullicatiofls Reports in isla I,d Countries; Who's Who j'l Telecommunications in Forum isialld Coulltries (FlCs); and the Forum isiafld COUlltries Telecommullicatiolls Tariffs. A maritime coast station "Procedures Manual" was produced for Solomon Islands, which later served as a guide to a number of other Member Countries in developing their own manuals.

Human Resources Development (HRD) Regional co-operation was strongly emphasised in the Division's Human Re­

source Development Programme. With access to world-wide training expertise which is either unavailable in the region or too expensive for individual countries, the Division delivered significant benefits to small island countries. Due to a shift in em phasis over the years, the activity in this area continued to move away from technical training and more towards management and marketing.

In the year under review, the Division conducted and/or organised training workshops covering Human Resource Management and Development, Organisational Development, and Strategic Marketing. In addition, one regional technical course on Digital Data and Packet Switching was conducted in Suva,

Attachment training with Telecom New Zealand was organised for two tech­nicians from the satellite earth station in Western Samoa to help them gain operationand maintenance experience. As welt a study was undertaken to develop master plans for regional telecommunication training schools in Fiji and Solomon Islands. 'II

Over the years, the Regional Telecommunications Programme (RPT) has been financially supported by Australia, New Zealand, and the UNDP as well as support in kind from the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT), the APEC Telecommunications Working Group, the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and the Hawaii­based Pacific Telecommunications Council (PTe).

22 c ANNUAL REPORT 1995 - 96

Some of the particilXlnts at the Telecommu"ications Trade Show

held itl Suva last year.

TELEeOMMUNICATIONS DIVISION

The Future The Telecom Division is one of the technical divisions due to cease operation at

the Forum Secretariat by the end of this year. The future mandate and role of regional communications programmes is being

developed through the SPOCC Regional Strategy process. The Forum Secretariat undertook a study of several options. One was a proposal that the South Pacific Commission should be the institutional host for a new inter·governmnent communica· hons programme for collaboration on a broad range of communications policy issues. Other options were that the telecommunications carriers of the region would establish their own group, either as an independent organisation or one with links to an existing regional organisation such as Pacific Telecommunications Council (PTC), Asia·Pacific Telecommunity (APT), International Telecommunications Union (ITlJ) or the South Pacific Commission (SPC).

Corporate Services functions were provided by the Administration Division and the Finance Division and the Library. During the course of the year, the Library was incorporated into the Administration Division. .;

The Division also played a key role in assisting with the imp'fementation of the recommendations of the Review of the Secretariat which will resdlt in the technical programme divisions being wound down or migrating to oth,er

ff'organisations. The

Secretariat will focus on providing policy advice in economic, trade and international relations. 1-

The Library was relocated to a new spacious hbme, from which it offers better research services and facilities, including access to international databases through Internet and the regional database at the University of·the South Pacific (USP). It can now be used by member country officials for research and commu nications purposes as well as better supporting Secretariat staff and information needs.

In December 1995, the Forum Officials Committee \pproved a combined budget totalling FS12,879,OOO fortheSecretariat's 1996 Work Programme and itsadministration. Its Regular Budget component, funded by assessed member contributions and other income was F$2,796, 000. Donors provided F$1O,083,OOO as well as in-kind support to an estimated F$2,233,000.

Australia and New Zealand continued to provide the bulk of donor support to the Secretariat. For 1 995/96, the contributions from these two traditional donors accounted for approximately half the Secretariat's total extra budgetary resources. Funding assistance was also given to the Secretariat's work programmes by the following donors:

1995 - 96 ANNUAL REPORT 0 23

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CORPORATE SERVICES DIVISION

Japan A grant of U5$600,000 was made by the Government of Japan in support of development programmes in trade and investment, energy, law enforcement, telecommunications and human re­sources development and training.

France The French Government agreed to provide further funding as­sistance of up to FF2,SOO,OOO (about F$7oo,0(0) to the Secretariat for 1995/96. This funding assistance was to support projects in energy, economic development, trade and investment, law en­forcement and external relations, maritime development and telecommunications. A review of procedural arrangements for the disbursement of French assistance was also carried. out in 1995.

European Union Through the Lome regional programme, the European Union continued to make technical assistance available to the Secretariat in support oftheSecretaryGeneral's role as Regional Authorising Officer (RAO). The EU also funded the Secretariat's programme in Energy.

Canada Funding assistance in the maritime sector continued under the Canada South Pacific Ocean Development (CSPOD) Programme. The Secretariat was co-ordinating phase two of CSPOD. Canada had agreed to provide technical assistance to the Secretariat in support of the development of small and moo ium enterprises and gender issues.

Taiwan Taiwan agreed to give funding assistance of up to U5$203,000 in 19% to the Secretariat for projects in industry development, small business development, processing and marketing and human resources development and training.

South Korea The Government of the Republic of Korea provided US$1oo,OOO in early 1996 in su pport of the upgrading and development of the Secretariat's information systems.

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) A total of F$385,000 was expected from UNDP in 1996 funding of projects in Civil Aviation, Telecommunications, Law Enforce­ment, Trade and Investment and Energy.

internally, the Finance Division was responsible for the overall finance and accounting services to both Executive and Work Programmes administered by the South Pacific Forum Secre­tariat. To help improve these functions, new Sun-Account Software was installed during the year.

24 0 ANNUAL REPORT 1995 - 96

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Accounts ACTUAL APPROVED 1995 1996

� INCOME � Member gov't contributions 2,131 2,351

� Other sources 632 367 � Total 2,763 2,718 ""I EXPENDITURE tl::J Directorate 969 970 �

� Legal & Political 246 267 � Finance 252 288 .... Administration 1,226 1,271

Total 2,693 2,796

INCOME Balance brought forward 2,839 1,630

Contributions from: Australia 3,498 3,277 New Zealand 1,029 1,018 Japan 899 845

tTj European Community 631 1,482 H UNDP/ESCAP 900 753 .... Canada 79 385 ""I France 28 385 l':l

Taiwan 346 tl::J Korea 140 � l':l... Miscellaneous 910 843

Oq Total 10,813 11,104 � EXPENDITURE ....

Economic Development 1,640 2,028 Enerr; 2,507 2,326 Lega & Political 412 569 ; Telecommunications 964 926 Trade & Investment 1,381 2,291 Civil Aviation 632 405 ,A'

Maritime 569 693 Special Projects 552 845 .. $ f

,..

Total 8,657 10,083 AMOUNTS IN CXXI AllAN DOLLARS

] \. ,

1995 · 96 ANNUAL REPORT 0 25

MANAGEMENT DIVISION Jeremia Tabai Tony Slatyer

Nikenike Vurobaravu

lana Whippy Losana Korovulavula Moira Reiher

ADMINISTRATION Christine Collett Elenoa Pickering

CONFERENCE & SEC· RETARIAL Mele Utoikamanu Edweena Sautu Esther Fisher Lillian Mitchell

OFFICE & PROPERTY SERVICES Manoa Kaiyanuyanu Pailalo Ratuqalovi Jioji Boila Horde Hania Eferemo Elder ChinSami Pita Tareguci Iosefo Vulaca

PURCHASI!I(G Glynis Miller

MAINTENANCE & SECURITY Filimone Boletawa Luke Ratumainaceva Laisani Tokarua Laisa Lutu Odrobale Sorowale

INFORMATION SERVICES SECTION Donita Simmons John Kamea lIisapeci Kuruvoli llisapeci Rahuka

eVIL A VIA nON DIV: Ceorge Vae'au Sailasa Vatucawaqa Margaret Wong

ECONOMIC DEVEL· OPMENT DIVISION Andrew Needs Manase Felemi Julie Delloree Iulai Lavea Peni Sikivou losefa Maiava T(>aua Toatu Marc 8ESerie Lana Evans Taivei Kwan Elsie Ah Sam

26 0 ANNUAL REPORT 1995 � 96

Secretary General Deputy Secretary G(>neral (policy &c Services) Deputy Secretary General (Programmes) Secretary to Secretary General Personal Assistant to DSG (P&S) Personal Assistant to DSG (P)

Director Personnel Officer

Conference Officer Divisional Assistant Divisional Assistant Receptionist/Divisional Assistant

Support Services Officer Driver/Messenger Driver/Messeng(>r Printer Head Gardener Gard(>n(>r Gardener Gardener

PurchaSing Officer

ProfX!rty & Maintenance Officer Oeaner/Labourer Oeaner/Tea Lady Oeaner/Tea Lady Night Watchman

Infoonation Services Manager Computer Services Officer Ubrary Services Officer library Assistant

Director Project Officer (Gvil Aviation) Divisional Assistant

Director Development Co-opn: Adviser Economic Adviser Economic Planning Officer Project Development Officer Dev(>lopment CoofX!ration Officer Technical Assistant (EU�funded) Senior Adviser (EU-funded) Divisional Assistant Divisional Assistant (EU Funded) Divisional Assistant (EU-fWlded)

STAFF

K A

v

F F F

N F

F F F F

F F F F F F F F

F

F F F F F

F F F F

W F F

N T A W F W K B F F F

ENERGY DIVISION Richard Goldberg Mike Lawrenc(> Paul Fairbairn Felix Gooneratne Brett Jacobs Nick Wardrop Suresh Raj Gordon Chang Gerhard Zieroth John Pirie Adigi Bandinelli Rave Tuatoko Melania Tunidau

FINANCE DIVISION Richard Greenfi(>ld Bodh Shyarn Robert Lalabalavu Sasi Prasad May Fang Sangeeta Lal

LEGAL & POLITICAL DIV: David Blackstock Andie Fang Toy Pius Saun Alfred Sasako Unaisi Veikoso

MARITIME DIVISION Chris Rupen Angus Scotland Peter Heathcote Inise Rabukawaqa

TELECOMMUNlCA TlONS DIVISION Peter McQuarrie Beth-Ann Patersen TRADE & INVESTMENT Jaindra Kumar Rima Ravusiro Edgar Cocker Lalit Kumar Adi Tikornairnaleya

REGISTRY Uday Prasad Gajendra Jit

SOUTH PACIFIC TRADE COMMISSION, SYDNEY Chris Ward Nada Widdowson Peter Snelling Ewan Isbister '! Marlene Cadden

SOUTH PACIFIC TRADE COMMISSION, AUCKLAND Steve Houlihan Barbara Harris Ngaire Takerei Miriam Lucock Margaret Hooper

Director Adviser (Petroleum) Adviser (Power) Project Manager (Pow(>r Sector) Adviser (Information & Statistics En(>rgy Officer Training Coordinator Admin/Finance Officer Program Manager (pREP) Consultant (PREP Lome IIO Consultant (PREP Lome no Divisional Assistant Divisional Assistant

Director Senior AccoWltant Senior Accounts Oerk Creditors Clerk Ledger Clerk General Accounts Clerk

Director Legal &. Political Officer Law Enforcem(>nt lJaison Officer Information &. Publications Officer Divisional Assistant

Director Maritim(> Training Coordinator Legal Adviser (Maritime) Divisional Assistant

Project Officer Divisional Assistant

Director Project Officer afad(> Dev:) Project Officer �arketing) Project Officer Clndustry & Inv:) Division AssiJ�nt

. '

frinter/Machine Operator � Registry Assistant

Senior Trade Commissioner Admin: & Project Manager JI..1p.�keting Manager Assistant Marketing Officer Receptionist/Secr(>tary

Senior Trade Commissioner Marketing Officer Marketing Officer Assistant Marketing Officer Receptionist/Sec: (part-time)

A A N A A A F F G F I F F

N F F F F F

N N P 5 F

P N C F

N F

F p T A F

F F

A A A A A

N N N N N

KEYTO NATIONS

A Australi� B Belgium C Canada

Fiji C Germany

Italy K Kiribati N New Zealand

r.N.G. Solomon Is.

T Tuvalu , Vanuatu W W.Samoa

1995 - 96 ANNUAL REPORT 0 27

MEETINGS

Meeting_ I181VIced during the year by the Forum Seeretertat

09 - 1 1

1 4 -15

08

10-11

11-15

AUGUST 1995 Telecommunications Trade Show, Suva

Regional Telecommunications Committee Meeting, Forum Secretariat, Suva

SEPTEMBER Sub-regional Workshop on Fresh Produce

Export, Honiara, Solomon Islands

SPOCC Special Meeting, Madang.. Papua NewCuinea

Forum Officials Committee Pre-Forum SesSion, Madang. Papua New Guinea

Organisational Development Workshop, Forum Secretariat, Suva

13-15 26th South Pacific Forum, Madang, Papua New Guinea

17-18 7th Post-Forum Oialogue Partners Meeting. Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

19 Taiwan/ROC-Forum Countries Dialogue, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

25-29 Workshop on Food Processing. Nuku'alofa.

02-06

16-18

16-20

OCTOBER logical Framework Workshop on Trade,

Southern Cross Hotel, Suva

5th Economic Summit of SmalJer Island State Leaders, Alofi, Niue

Strategic Marketing Workshop, Forum Secretariat.

16-20 Regional Workshop on Petroleum Storage and Handling Standard, Forum Secretariat.

16-20 SmaU Business Management Workshop, Rarotonga, Cook Islands

30-10 Nov Legal Drafting Workshop on

01-02

06-07

13-17

the 988 UN Convention, Forum Secretariat.

NOVEMBER Energy Curriculum Development Work­

shop, Forum Secretariat, Suva

Philatelic Network Workshop, Forum Secretariat, Suva

CSPODII Mission Programme Mccting. Forum Secretariat, Suva

20-24 GTZ Hydropower Design Workshop, Forum Secretariat, Suva

27-01 Dec Demand Side Management Marketing Workshop, Forum Secretariat.

DECEMBER 04-07 Energy Demand Side Survey Data

08

11-12

Collection Workshop, Forum Secretariat.

Forum Rnance Ministers Second Meeting. Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

Forum Officials Committee Budget Session, Forum Secretariat, Suva

JANUARY 1996 11th African Caribbean Pacific (ACP) 22-23 Ministeriru Meeting. Forum Secretariat, Suva

Strategic Planning Workshop for 22-02 Feb Shipping Executives, Forum Secretarial, Suva

FEBRUARY Pacific Regional Energy Programme (PREP) 05-09 Environmental Management Planning Software Seminar, Forum Secretariat, Suva

Pacific Regional Energy Programme (PREP) Energy Conservation Workshop,

12-16

Forum Secretariat, Suva

MARCH SPOCC Regional Strategy Profiling Exercise, 13-14 Forum Secretariat, Suva

Strategic Planning Workshop, Forum 1S-19 Secretariat, Suva

Regional Telecommunications Committee 20 Special Mccting. Forum Secretariat, Suva

Pacific Regional Energy Programme (PREP) 21-22

Energy Conservation Workshop, Forum Secretariat, Suva

SPNFZ Protocols Signing Ceremony, Forum Secretariat, Suva

25

Senior Management Drug Workshop for 25-05 Apr Police/Customs, Forum Secretariat, Suva

APRIL Inaugural Meeting of Association of Maritime 09-1 2 Schools and Examiners, Forum Secretariat, Suva I

• Workshop on Standardised Certification for ..IS Fishing Vessel Crews, Forum Fisheries Agencx, South Pacific Commission and Forum Secretwfat, Forum Secretariat, Suva

;$ South Pacific Organisations Coordinating 15-16 Committee (SPOCC) Heads Meetfhg. Forum Secretariat, Suva

Paciiic Regional Energy Programme (PREP) 16-19 Workshop on Programme & Project Planning Methods, Forum Secretariat, Suva

ACP Pacific Isllnd Countries Logfra&� 17-20 Programming Workshop, Forum Secretariat, Suva

Regional Energy Committee Meeting. 22-24 Forum Secretariat, Suva

MAY Pacific Rt'gional Energy Programme (PREP) Energy Conservation Workshop, Forum Secretariat, Suva

06-10

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Design/cover photo

Typesetting & Printing

A U S T I N Oceania, Suva