1. How did we begin?
Following a call in 2004 by Forum Economic Ministers, private sector representatives met at the Regional Business Forum that was organized by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) in Nadi, Fiji in April 2005, and endorsed the establishment of a regional private sector organisation that later became the “Pacific Islands Private Sector Organisation” (PIPSO). Forum Leaders in 2005 further supported that decision by identifying PIPSO as the regional body to play the lead role in implementing the Pacific Plan’s initiative on ‘supporting private sector mechanisms’. A temporary office for the PIPSO Secretariat was opened in Suva, Fiji in April 2007 through joint funding support from PIFS and the United Nations Development Programme Pacific Centre (UNDP PC).
2. What is our membership like?
PIPSO’s ‘regular members’ include the National Private Sector Organisations (NPSOs) of each of the 14 Forum Island Countries (FICs). NPSOs, usually representing large, medium and small businesses, are also being encouraged to attend to the needs and aspirations of micro-enterprises as well as those operating in the informal sector. Institutions other than NPSOs may also join PIPSO but as ‘affiliate members’ and that can be done by completing an application form.
3. How are we governed?
The Council, comprising of all PIPSO members, is the governing body of PIPSO, while the Board is responsible for the overall governance and control of the business and affairs of PIPSO. The current Board is chaired by Mr James Movick of the Federated States of Micronesia). Other Board members include Ms Teresa Manarangi-Trott (Cook Islands, Deputy Chair), Mr Hafiz Khan (Fiji, Secretary/Treasurer), Mr Alan McLay (Papua New Guinea), Mr Epa Tuioti (Samoa), Mr Phillip Reklai (Palau) and Mr Tapu Panuve (Tonga).
4. What do we actually do?
PIPSO provides opportunities for its members to air their views on policy issues affecting them and uses the outcomes of such consultations to advocate the interests and concerns of the Pacific private sector at various regional and international meetings. PIPSO may also liaise with the concerned NPSO on matters pertaining to national policy issues.
In partnership with relevant regional and international agencies, PIPSO contributes to improving the business climate and having in place an enabling environment for private sector development in the region. PIPSO also facilitates external institutional support for capacity building within the private sector through training, technology transfer, marketing and promotions and, creating business linkages. Since private sector development is a cross-cutting issue, PIPSO’s work also contributes to regional economic integration, social development, poverty alleviation and other issues relevant for the overall development of the entire region.
5. What major regional events have we been engaged in and are there any upcoming ones that we should be aware of?
Through its Observer status with the Forum Economic and Trade Ministerial Meetings, PIPSO has provided inputs to regional policy making from the private sector’s perspective. With support from PIFS, UNDP PC and the private sector, PIPSO organised the inaugural Pacific Islands Business Forum (PIBF) in Nadi, Fiji in August 2007. The event attracted some 200 representatives from the region's private and public sectors, which included Ministers responsible for Trade, Investment and Business Development. Participants had the opportunity to dialogue on policy issues, network and do business and, agreed on a set of Outcomes that has formed the basis of PIPSO’s work programme. As recommended at the PIBF, PIPSO is organising the Regional Small, Medium & Micro-Enterprises Forum which is scheduled for March 2008 at Apia, Samoa. This engagement wil focus on the concerns and aspirations of smaller business enterprises.
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