Context

The inaugural Round Table Meeting on economic co-operation  in the South Pacific was held at Sydney University, Sydney Australia, on 20 June 2003. The Global Foundation co-hosted with the Agence Francaise de Developpement (AFD) a Round Table meeting in Sydney which explored the possible role of the private sector, working in conjunction with governments and other actors, in playing a more constructive role in the future of the South Pacific region. 

The Round Table was the result of discussions in France during 2002 and subsequently in Australia, between the Global Foundation and the AFD.  Both organisations have a significant interest in the South Pacific and it was decided that a second track dialogue would be useful to explore ways in which it might be possible to encourage further collaboration for sustainable economic development in the South Pacific.

The meeting brought together forty senior figures from Australia, France, French Territories in the South Pacific and New Zealand.  The Australian and New Zealand participants represented business, government and academia.  The French delegation comprised representatives from the AFD and the French Government as well as representatives of business and industry from New Caledonia and French Polynesia.  This intersection of backgrounds and interests created a unique opportunity for interaction and relationship building.

Related Program Reports:

Round Table on Economic Cooperation in the South Pacific
New Caledonia, 10 June, 2005 (pdf)

External Web-Link:

Link to the website for the French Development Agency (AFD):

http://www.afd.fr/