MSG Secretariat Participates in 11th EDF Training on Financial and Contractual Procedures
Roy Mariasua, Accountant at the 11th EDF Training in Suva, Fiji
03 July 2019
Two Melanesian Spearhead Group Secretariat staff are currently participating in the Training on Financial and Contractual Procedures in the framework of the 11th EDF workshop at the Novotel in Suva, Fiji. Representing the MSG Secretariat are Sovaia Marawa, Trade Policy Advisor and Roy Marisua, Senior Accountant.
Director General of the MSG Secretariat, Ambassador Amena Yauvoli stated that upskilling of MSG Secretariat staff is critical for contribution towards the output of the various sections of the organisation. The workshop which ends on the 4 July 2019 will provide staff with the knowledge and tools to manage procurement of goods and services under the European Development Fund.
The MSG Secretariat with the support of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) was beneficial of the PITAP programme from 2014 to 2016 to enhance regional integration through enhance trade and investment opportunities in the MSG sub-region. The Director General added that the MSG Secretariat is applying for ED11 allocation to the EU Delegation through the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat to assist MSG Members and the MSG Secretariat to implement the Melanesian Free Trade Agreement.
Ms. Rose Tungale Kitua of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat highlighted the importance of the workshop during her welcome to participants. She stressed the Training on Financial and Contractual Procedures in the framework of the 11th EDF workshop was aimed to improve the participant’s knowledge and understanding of EU policies and the regulatory framework for EDF11. She expressed the workshop will assist the participants in management of EDF funded projects at national and regional levels, stressing what they learn will be extremely useful in their respective work environments.
The training workshop is co-organised by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat and the EU Delegation and is funded through PIFS Technical Cooperation and Capacity Building Facility. Participants of the workshop are representatives from the Pacific ACP countries and regional organisations.