“Climate discussions often focus on trade as a major contributor to global warming. But with the right policy mix, we can encourage clean production and trade in climate-friendly goods and services. This is where trade can become part of the solution,”

Minister for Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport, Faiyaz Koya, at the dialogue on fostering “Multilateral Cooperation on Trade and Climate Nexus” at the World Trade Organization yesterday (13/06/22).

Minister Koya spoke on how #Fiji took the leap when opportunity was provided to become a party to the Agreement on Climate Change, Trade and Sustainability (ACCTS).

Fiji is amongst the six countries currently negotiating the ACCTS, alongside Costa Rica, Iceland, New Zealand, Norway and Switzerland.

“The ACCTS draws nexus between trade, climate and environmental policy with sustainability at its core”, added Minister Koya.

He further provided an update on Fiji’s domestic actions in fulfilling commitments under the Paris Agreement such as, the enactment of the Climate Change Act 2021.

“The Act requires the #FijianGovernment to put in place a detailed Transport Decarbonisation Implementation Strategy and a National Ocean Policy. We are committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, and we aim to harness nature-based and technological solutions to build our climate resilience,” stated Minister Koya.

Participants were also informed of the Fijian Investment Policy Statement and Fiji’s new Investment Act 2021, which provides for linkages between trade, investment and climate change.

“The #Fijian Investment Policy Statement sets the overall vision for Fiji in terms of areas of targeted investment — including — green technology, clean and green manufacturing, renewable energy, climate resilient building and construction, to name a few,” highlight Minister Koya.

The dialogue was also attended by Canada, China, Ecuador, the European Union, Kenya, New Zealand and the United States.