PORT VILA, VANUATU (19 September 2024): A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed this morning between the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Secretariat and the Oceania Customs Organisation (OCO) Secretariat for partnership and collaboration on shared regional development goals.
In his opening remarks, Director General of the MSG Secretariat, Leonard Louma, said that with the MSG constituting the largest population (86%), largest land mass (98%), biggest GDP (91%), almost 50% of the EEZ, and by some accounts, 90% of the natural resources in the Pacific Islands Forum area, the MSG collectively has a corresponding responsibility to be at the forefront of regional cooperative and collective actions that seek to better serve and better respond to the needs of our people.
“The MOU will help us leverage whatever knowledge, experience, resources, network, and human capital that OCO Secretariat has to play a constructive role in the customs and trade space,” he said.
DG Louma pointed out a directive by MSG Leaders that in developing and implementing MSG collective and cooperative initiatives, it must be remembered that the MSG is part of a bigger regional community – the Blue Pacific Continent.
MSG Leaders he said, have unambiguously determined that MSG must remain inclusive in its approach to its collective initiatives and must be positively disposed to others joining in whenever they feel appropriate.
DG Louma highlighted this to illustrate that trade and commercial activities will only increase within the MSG countries, between the MSG countries, and between the MSG countries and the region and the globe.
Customs procedures and trade facilitation he said, play an important role in international and trans-national trade.
Head of the OCO Secretariat, Ms Nancy T Oraka, said the occasion not only marked a continuation of the strong partnership between the two organisations but also a re-affirmation of the shared commitment to the security, prosperity and resilience of the Pacific region.
“Over the years our collaboration has brought about significant progress – together we have strengthened border security, facilitated safe and secure trade and advanced capacity building initiatives both directly and indirectly,” she said.
These achievements she added, stand as a testament to the power of regional cooperation and our mutual dedication, protecting our people and economy.
Ms Oraka said the MOU is a vital instrument that formalises and enhances cooperation between the MSG and OCO.
“It serves as a platform for us to continue working together on key issues such as customs enforcement, information sharing, trade facilitation and tackling the ever-evolving challenges that our region faces, again not only from trade facilitation but also from transnational crimes and the impacts of climate change.
“As we look to the future, I am confident that this renewed partnership will enable us to achieve even more. The challenges ahead are significant but by working together we can assure that the Pacific remains a secure, stable and thriving region for all,” she said.
END.