Rarotonga prepares for regional trade fair

HONOLULU, Hawaii (PIDP/CPIS) — Rohan Ellis has a vision.

The chief executive officer of the Cook Islands Development Investment Board envisions a regional trade fair that one day will bring buyers and manufacturers together from all nations and territories in the Pacific under one roof.

And every year, a different nation or territory would host what he hopes would become the largest trade fair in the Pacific region.

“It’s a perfect opportunity for Pacific Island countries to play host in their home country to show all the (region’s) products in one market,” Ellis said in an interview with Pacific Islands Report from his office in Rarotonga. “Countries would benefit the most by gaining a sense of ownership.”

The biggest benefit, of course, would be the business opportunities provided for many small Pacific Island makers of handicrafts and other products who want to venture out onto the international market stage.

Ellis’ dream may soon become a reality.

The Cook Islands Development Board will host the second annual Pacific Regional Trade Fair in Rarotonga on April 4-7.

Last year’s fair was held in Nuku’alofa, Tonga and drew delegates from the Cook Islands, Samoa, Vanuatu, and the Solomon Islands.

So far, 27 companies from eight countries have indicated that they will be represented at this year’s event. Ellis is expecting more participants to sign up before the February 26 deadline.

This year’s fair is expected to draw about 400 people.

Participants will have booths to display products that will range from handicrafts, apparel, food, jewelry, and flowers.

Buyers from New Zealand, Australia, the United States, Japan, Singapore and Europe will descend on the fair too see what Pacific Island manufacturers have to offer.

“We want it to be the premier event in the Pacific – to bring together many manufacturers of Pacific Island products under one roof,” Ellis said. “We’re hoping it will be a vehicle to promote foreign investment and trade and help develop contract agreements. B-2-B (business-to-business) is what it’s all about. We want people to leave Rarotonga with the satisfaction that they created business opportunities for themselves.”

Ellis said now is a good time for Pacific Islanders to begin making business contacts. He said Pacific Island companies should prepare for more open trade on the international market under the Pacific Regional Trade Agreement, which is expected to be ratified by Pacific Island countries and territories in the next three to four years.

Ellis said the Pacific is ripe with potential for trade because the region produces unique products that are found nowhere else in the world.

Ellis said the four-day event is already proving to be a boom for the Cook Islands economy. Many accommodations and airline flights on the island are fully booked.