MSG Green Trade Project: 3rd Regional workshop

On 16 and 17 October 2023, the Third Regional Workshop on the MSG Green Trade Project took place in Port Vila. The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) organized the event in partnership with the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Secretariat. Attendees included stakeholders from the Fiji Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways, Papua New Guinea (PNG) Department of Foreign Affairs, National Agriculture and Quarantine Inspection Authority, National Research Institute Department of Agriculture and Livestock, Solomon Islands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, and Vanuatu's Department of External Trade, Department of Industry, and Bureau of Standards.

The workshop lasted two days. On the first day, representatives from the four countries covered by this project presented national activities. These activities have been carried out uniformly across all countries, and insights gained can benefit all MSG member states. The presentations covered a range of topics, including non-tariff measures (NTM), national voluntary sustainability standards (VSS) assessments, the creation of “National Export Guides,” and the formulation of national policy recommendations based on the “Matrix of Synergistic Linkages” between green trade and sustainable development.

The second day focused on validating the draft sub-regional action plan, which concludes the MSG Green Trade Project. Based on national reports and previous workshops, UNCTAD and the MSG Secretariat identified three key areas for the sub-regional action plan: Capacity Building and Knowledge Exchange, Policy Coordination, and Data Collection. These areas were chosen based on identified needs for capacity building, policy gaps, and data challenges during the national phase of the project. The goal is to strengthen both national and regional sustainable development strategies, specifically addressing Pillar Five of the MSG 2038 Prosperity for All Plan. The need for developing quality infrastructure is also emphasized in the action plan. During the discussions, the countries and the MSG secretariat have validated the draft sub-regional action plan. Representatives of the countries have also agreed that a list of country priorities would be included in the annexes.

The sub-regional action plan and its implementation mechanism are now in the final stages of preparation and will be submitted to the participating countries for definitive approval. It will then be presented to MSG leaders for their endorsement.