Republic of Palau National/State Leadership Symposium

Transcription

1 Republic of Palau National/State Leadership Symposium Session III: Innovative Strategies for Resource Mobilization Reinventing Government in the Pacific Region: Exchange and Transfer of Innovations for Transparent Governance and State Capacity Nadi,, Republic of the Fiji Islands February 20-22, 22, 2006

2 Purpose of Symposium Prioritize the major needs of Palau with a long term view to: Prepare for review with the U.S. on the financial provisions of the Compact of Free Association. Inventory our performance to date within the context of the current Compact agreement. Identify what we need to do as a nation in order to enhance opportunities for sustainable economic development, with or with out the COFA.

3 Rationale Recent IMF Article IV Consultation concluded that Palau has performed well in the last few years but much still needs to be done Not making as much progress on our legislative agenda Needed leadership to buy-in on an appropriate development strategy framework Wanted to mobilize public and private sector support

4 Outcomes Desired Consensus on national priorities and policy direction Identify those responsible for implementing recommendations and initiatives Mobilize public and private sector support

5 Symposium Structure The symposium was held over 3 days Divided into six focus areas to facilitate discussions. Participants included Leadership from National Government (Executive and Legislative) State Government (Governors and Speakers) Private Sector (Chamber of Commerce and NGO s)

6 Focus Group 1 COFA Review Focus Group 1 concentrated on the priorities that will guide our discussions with the U.S. regarding the renewal of the financial, and other, provisions of the COFA. U.S. Federal Grants. Replenishment of the Compact Trust Fund. Retention of immigration rights to the U.S. Putting into place appropriate program and financing support to achieve our overall goal of sustainable development.

7 Focus Group 2 Laws & Regulations Focus Group 2 concerned itself with laws and regulations that must be passed to meet our national goals and objectives. Foreign investment. Taxation. Banking. Land use and zoning. Natural resource management and conservation. Health insurance and retirement plans. Dead mangrove Shark finning

8 Focus Group 3 Infrastructure Focus Group 3 focused on the infrastructure that must be put into place for our development goals to be successful. With the Compact Road and capital near completion, we must ensure that Babeldaob can absorb the expected migration north. We must expand our infrastructure by: Constructing cross-island roads, Expanding water, sewer, and wastewater facilities, and Augmenting Solid waste plants. At the national level, this will require expansion of: Electrical power plant, Schools, and Medical facilities.

9 Focus Group 4 Private Sector Development Concentrated on the sustainable development of our private sector. While taking into account our small domestic market, remoteness, limited natural resource base, and vulnerability to external economic shocks and natural disasters, as well as our heavy reliance on external trade and foreign assistance. Tourism diversification; Agriculture, aquaculture, and fisheries; and International banking and corporations.

10 Focus Group 5 Sustainable Government Operations Focus group 5 dealt with Palau s continuing efforts to develop a sustainable government system that supports the efforts of the private sector. Explore new sources of revenue. Effectively manage governmental expenditures. Revenue generation initiatives.

11 Focus Group 6 Human Resource Development Group 6 focused on strengthening the most important resource we have our people. Labor market institutions and regulations. Education and training. Health care.

12 Symposium Outcomes Communiqué outlining strategy objectives and actions to be undertaken on the 6 focus areas Agreement to hold on an annual basis to assess progress [or lack of ] Consideration to holding separate Economic Symposium to deal with private sector development issues

13 Planned Follow Up Actions Re-format Communiqué document into an action plan Incorporate initiatives in the planning and budgeting process Formalize monitoring framework

14 Mesulang!