13 Aug 2012

Forum head says Pacific Plan review will identify strengths and weaknesses

11:04 am on 13 August 2012

The secretary general of the Pacific Islands Forum, Tuiloma Neroni Slade, says the scheme for regional co-operation, the Pacific Plan, can point to significant achievements in its first 7 years.

This comes amid plans to review the Plan next year.

Mr Slade says a review is an ideal opportunity to take stock of changes to the regional and international development agenda and ensure the Plan is relevant.

He says the Pacific Plan has helped ensure the various regional agencies work together and this is having an impact, for instance in sparking growth in tourism and improvements in shipping services.

Mr Slade says the Forum can point to a significant record of work undertaken.

"Has it been absolutely beneficial in all aspects, I cannot say that but I think we need to assess what strengths and the weaknesses that we have."