PIFS

Five Pacific countries remain on a recently down-sized EU blacklist of nine tax haven nations.

The forum secretariat's deputy secretary general Cristelle Pratt said a meeting with the European Commission next month may provide an opportunity to discuss the issues directly.

"It may well be an issue that could be discussed, and it would be something of course that we would work with our members on if they requested support and assistance in that regard," Ms Pratt said.

The EU said the blacklist was part of a greater plan to promote good tax governance globally.

The Human Rights and Gender Peer Review supported by the European Union (EU) and the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, will examine good practices, identify barriers, and provide solutions toward integrating gender and human rights commitments into national development plans, planning processes and budget cycles.

“Our women and girls are connected to the ocean, coasts and marine resources and are active agents and custodians,” said Minister Charmaine Scotty of Nauru who delivered the Forum’s statement.

During the ceremony Ambassador ZHANG Ping reiterated the importance of the relationship saying “This donation from the Chinese Government to the China-PIF Cooperative Fund for the year 2016 is another demonstration of China’s sincerity and willingness in seeking common development prosperity with Pacific Islands Countries.”

RNZ reports the Forum was established in 1971, creating a separate organisation that shut out the old colonial powers which dominated the SPC, which later became the Pacific Community.

But earlier this month at the Forum's summit in Pohnpei two new members were added, French Polynesia and New Caledonia.

Their inclusion effectively means France is now part of the Forum.

Dr Malakai Koloamatangi said there could well now be interest in joining from many of the other major powers that have growing interests in the Pacific.

As the meeting got underway, Prime Minister of Cook Islands and Chair of the Smaller Island States (SIS), the Honourable Henry Puna said “In the true Pacific Way, we wholeheartedly agreed to support and welcome FSM into the SIS family.”

President of the Federated States of Micronesia, H.E Peter Christian was then led into the Chamber by the Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum, Dame Meg Taylor.

Prior to polling the Forum Team met with a range of stakeholders including Members of Parliament, senior government officials, candidates, academia, civil society and representatives of youth, women and disability organisations.                                                                                                  

The team from the Forum will comprise three representatives from Forum Member states and two Forum Secretariat staff.

The Commonwealth team will comprise three observers and two staff members.

The electoral observer mission will arrive on Nauru a week prior to polling day and will remain until official results are announced.

This comes after two former presidents of Nauru called for observers to be sent immediately in the wake of controversial changes to voting legislation.

RNZI reports the government, which has little opposition, is forcing public servants wanting to stand to resign their jobs three months before the poll and dramatically increased charges for prospective candidates and people moving constituencies.

The announcement further improves opportunities for cooperation between the Pacific region and the GCF. Late last year Fiji’s Urban Water Supply and Wastewater Management Project was one of the first eight from around the world to be approved for funding, and earlier this week Cook Islands became the first Pacific country and Small Island Developing State to receive a readiness support grant from the GCF.