APTC Staff Courtesy call on MSG Secretariat

Two staff of the Australian Pacific Training Coalition’s (APTC) Ms. Andie Fong Toy, Labour Mobility Advisor and Ms. Anna Naupa, Country Director for Vanuatu and Nauru paid a courtesy call to the Secretariat and was met by the Deputy Director General of MSG Secretariat, Mr. Peter Eafeare in the absence of the Director General Ambassador Amena Yauvoli at the Secretariat Board room earlier today.

In welcoming the APTC staff, Mr. Eafeare stated that MSG Secretariat keeps a watching brief on bilateral labour mobility schemes administered by Australia and NZ governments as it contributes to upskilling of semi-skilled workers in MSG countries. He noted the change in APTC’s focus to securing strategic partnerships and co-investments in technical training.

There were also general discussions on skills gaps and strategies to upskill workers to enhance capacity, strengthen industry development and employment opportunities within the MSG countries. Mrs. Sovaia Marawa, Trade and Investment Advisor, MSG Secretariat was also present in the meeting. Mrs. Marawa briefed everyone present on developments relating to the MSG Labour Mobility Scheme and Melanesian Travel Card. The meeting noted the forthcoming APTC Pacific Labour Market Analysis (PLMA) Study to be conducted in MSG countries. There was consensus that further collaboration and strategic partnerships is necessary to mutually benefit APTC, MSG Secretariat and MSG members.