1. Role of the Private Sector in Enhancing Sustainable Trade and Investment Presentation by the Chairman of PIPSO, Mr Hafiz Khan Mauritius, 23-24 April 2012

2. Challenges of the Private Sector in the Pacific Region  Small size economies and widely spread across the Pacific Ocean  Low Investment Levels  Lack of access to Finance  Political Instability, law and order and corruption  Poor Infrastructure – High Cost of Fuel, Transport & Telecommunication  Legal systems are outmoded and regulatory  Lack of Engagement of Government with Private Sector  Limited engagement of Private Sector in Trade Talks to craft agreements and programs  Climate Change  Lack of Support for Private Sector organisations both at national and regional level

3. Key Elements to Facilitate Sustainable Growth in the Private Sector  Stable Government and Political Environment  Increase Level of Investments – Both Domestic and Foreign  Adequate Infrastructure  Increase Incentives for alternative Fuel Source – Green Energy  Reform outdated laws and lessen regulatory burdens on companies  Increase Government and Private Sector Dialogue  Increase Private Sector Engagement on Trade Talks  Improve access to Finance – regional fund facility  Business Development Support - to improve product quality and market access

4. Incentives to be in Place to Promote Regional Trade & Value Addition in Agriculture Products  Accelerate the harmonization of bio-security and customs arrangements for the Pacific Islands to increase intra regional trade  Increase private sector participation in trade consultations and negotiations before reaching the final agreement  Increase business development support to private sector to improve product quality, certifications, standards for export purposes especially for agriculture products  The need for a regional testing facility to test product quality for all exported products from the Pacific  Increase Trade Missions Support within the Pacific and to International Markets  Increase technical assistance in the area of value adding for agriculture products