‘Working for closer ties'

closer ties'

‘With the benefits of geo graphic proximity and com mon aspirations for social development, Australia and other countries of the Pacific region have traditionally enjoyed a continuing mutually beneficial relation ship.’ said Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Re sources Doug Anthony in a statement welcoming PI M’s treatment in this issue of the theme Australia in the Pa cific.

Mr Anthony added that the shape of this relationship

had inevitably changed, and

would continue to change, in response to the economic and political developments in the region, particularly with the emergence of newly develop ing nations.

But such changes had not resulted in a lessening of interest by Australia in her

near neighbours.

‘lndeed,’ Mr Anthony went on, ‘the changes are drawing the relationship closer. Trade has always been an important part of this relationship, and as the evolution of change in the Pacific region unfolds, I expect Australia’s role as a trading partner will grow.

The Trade and Commercial Relations Agreement signed with Papua New Guinea in 1976, and the proposals now

being developed for closer

economic co-operation with the Forum Island countries, are examples of Australia’s interest in strengthening her relationship with her Island neighbours. ’

Mr Anthony noted that Australia provides a ready market for many of the basic export products of the Pa cific Island countries, and that it was pleasing to be able to say that more than 80% of Australia’s imports from

these sources are entered

duty free.

Australia was con

tinuously mindful of the cru

cial role of trade in the

development of the region

and was fully committed to assisting the economic development of the region as a whole and the individual economies of the countries within it.

Mr Anthony said: ‘This commitment is not taken

lightly. Through a

comprehensive and continu ing aid programme, by encouraging investment and with assistance in the establishment or expansion of local industries, Aus tralia ’s undertaking has been

expressed in solid practical

terms. ‘Australia has also been

pleased to provide funds for

the establishment of a Trade

Commissioner for the Pacific

Island countries, based in Sydney, whose sole task will be to promote the trade and investment interests of Island countries with Australia.

This post has been established and should now be able to provide detailed guidance to Island exporters interested in the Australian market. ’

On the view from Aus tralia, Mr Anthony said that the economic changes occur ring in the region also pro vide a challenge to Australian exporters.