The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Pacific Cooperation Foundation (PCF), Mr Craig Strong paid a courtesy call at the High Commission on Tuesday 14th August 2018 and met with Her Excellency, Mrs Joy Kere, the High Commissioner and Mr Cornelius Walegerea, the Minister Counselor. The CEO was accompanied by Mrs Linda Kaua, Programme Development Manager, PCF. Mrs Kaua is from Solomon Islands.
It was a fruitful meeting where CEO Craig outline the key strategic focus areas that the PCF will be undertaking in the next 3 -5 years under its strategic work plan. Mr Craig reiterated that as a Non -Governmental Organisation (NGO) focused on private sector and they mandated to help and support private sector growth and economic development in the Pacific.
Mr Craig also highlighted the work that PCF has done to help Pacific Island countries, for example, support internship for NZAID scholars in New Zealand and their focus is to that there is ensure quality placements for quality outcomes.
Mr Craig further reiterate it’s willingness to support and for PCF to be the Secretariat of Pacific Business Councils that Pacific Island countries have with New Zealand.
In her response, Her Excellency, the High Commissioner, Mrs Joy Kere welcome CEO Craig and Linda to the High Commission and acknowledge the work done by PCF. She call on PCF to reach out to help other Pacific Island countries like Solomon Islands. One of the ambitions that Solomon Islands want is to establish a Solomon Islands -New Zealand Business Council. This is a follow up from previous meetings that Solomon Islands have with the New Zealand Pacific Business Council, the New Zealand Pacific Business Council Trade Mission to Solomon Islands and the desire to strengthen the business relations and connections between both countries.
The High Commissioner also reiterate the importance of supporting the efforts made by Pacific Island countries in view of the implementation of the PACER Plus. Support to private sector growth is critical to fully realise the benefits that PACER Plus offers.
Mr Craig notes the call and is looking forward to working with Solomon Islands and as far as private sector is concern, working with the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industries to Solomon Islands businesses and connection with New Zealand and the region.
L-R, Mrs Linda Kaua, Programme Development Manager, PCF, HE, Mrs Joy Kere, SI High Commissioner to NZ, Mr Craig Strong, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Pacific Cooperation Foundation (PCF). Photo at SI High Commission, Wellington, NZ.