Fiji's prime minister has announced a secretariat for the Pacific Islands Development Forum which will be based in Suva.
Commodore Frank Bainimarama has just closed the inaugural meeting of the Forum in Nadi.
Sally Round reports from Fiji.
"The Fiji prime minister says it will be funded by Fiji but countries outside the region have pledged their support. Commodore Bainimaram says it will be the antithesis to most bureaucracies. He says there is no need for expensive facilities or overpaid officials. The Fiji leader says some governments still need to be convinced about the Forum but they are welcome to join. Commodore Bainmarama says there will be a second Forum at a time and place to be announced. The Fiji government says the PIDF has already been asked to attend talks on the margins of the United Nations next month."
