|
The Minister of Shipping has requested that the content of discussions held between the Deputy Prime Minister Sir Terepai Maoate and Samoa Prime Minister Sailele regarding the issue of shipping and bulk purchasing be made available to the Shipping Committee.
During discussions Sir Terepai raised the subject of shipping with the suggestion that Samoa may be interested in servicing the northern group islands which are closer to Samoa.
PM Sailele talked about the possibility of a “regional shipping service” between Samoa, Cook Islands and Niue. He said this is a concept that the three Polynesians countries could explore and would be of significant benefit to the Cook Islands, especially the northern islands.
PM Sailele also talked about the need for better cooperation between Pacific Islands especially with regards to bulk purchasing of possibly fuel and medical supplies, tourism, mineral deposits and the like. He promoted a strategy whereby Samoa and the Cook Islands could be working together through one central ordering agency which could be based in New Zealand and would handle all orders and distribution. A regional shipping service could make the bulk purchasing scheme – which has been talked about for over 30 years – work for Samoa, Cook Islands and Niue.
“Minister Vavia wants the Committee advised of the following options submitted by the DPM Office and to explore feasibility and report back to him as soon as possible,” says DPM Office Executive Officer Florence Syme-Buchanan.
Source: Office of the DPM |
