Small islands must explore 'ocean economy' - UNCTAD
Small island developing States must develop resilient transport
systems and look towards opportunities offered by the ocean if they are
to boost their economies, a high-level side event organised by the
Pacific Island Forum and UNCTAD heard during the Third International
Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS) recently.
The event, co-chaired by UNCTAD Secretary-General Mukhisa Kituyi and
the Secretary General of Pacific Island Forum and Oceans Commissioner
Tuiloma Neroni Slade, heard from speakers including the Minister of
Foreign Affairs Regional Integration and International Trade of
Mauritius, Arvin Boolell, the Minister for Works, Transport and
Infrastructure of Samoa, Manualesagalala Enokati Posala, and the Deputy
Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Deodat Maharaj.
The meeting heard that most small island developing States (SIDS) are
isolated, and have small populations and limited natural resources,
meaning that economic diversification and connectivity are key to their
development. |