MSG Secretariat Discusses Partnership with Mercosur-Asean Chamber of Commerce (MACC)

The Melanesian Spearhead Group Secretariat recently received a courtesy visit from Argentina’s Ambassador to Vanuatu, Fiji, Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands, His Excellency Hugo Javier Gobbi and the President of the Mercosur-Asean Chamber of Commerce (MACC) Alfredo R Amigorena.

H.E Gobbi spoke to the MSG Secretariat Director General, Ambassador Amena Yauvoli regarding Argentina’s desire to extend and expand trade and cooperation with the MSG countries along with introducing Mercosur-Asean Chamber of Commerce and its potential to invest in the region.

The MSG Secretariat Director General, Ambassador Amena Yauvoli received word that the Argentinian Government through MACC are looking to establish Cooperation in political development, Judicial and Legal Development and Cooperation in Agriculture and the Cattle industry. His Excellency Hugo Javier Gobbi explained that Argentina currently produces food for its 450 million citizens with its Advance Agricultural technical expertise and Argentina are ready to share that technology for food security.

The Argentinian Government are also ready to help the MSG countries with elections, private sector development and sports development with particular focus on football and a Football Academy where sportsmen and women can train. Health Corporation was also on the list of items discussed with confirmation that Argentina has one of the best world class Health Laboratories making it possible for MSG member countries able to access medicine and surgery options relatively cheaper than other with world-class healthcare.

Also discussed was the possible diplomatic training for Foreign Service Officials, Visa Waiver for ease of access to Argentina from MSG countries and Tourism cooperation with MSG countries taking advantage of the 12 million travelling tourists from Argentina.

The Director General briefed the delegation about the work of the MSG Secretariat and the importance of its role, its mandates and its vision before thanking the Government of Argentina, through His Excellency Gobbi for their willingness to invest in the MSG Region and share their knowledge and expertise with the MSG member countries.

The Director General acknowledged the rich benefits that MACC has in its capacity and the team agreed to have another round of talks to ensure that positive outcomes are secured and a likely MOU will be signed by the MSG Secretariat and MACC.

Mercosur-Asean Chamber of Commerce (MACC) is a bi-regional, innovative Chamber of Commerce passionately committed to identify, develop and assist its members in the business process. MACC is the organization that translates, comprehends and decodes trade opportunities between the ASEAN and MERCOSUR regions strategically interacting with its representatives in each region, helping its members with the legal requirements and local techniques of each participating country.

The Mercosur-Asean Chamber of Commerce respects the diversity of race, culture and religion of each member country.