The Pacific is one of the most aid-dependent regions in the world, but the billion-dollar industry presents a wealth of opportunity to Mäori enterprises that partners with their neighbours and improves Pacific livelihoods. Duncan Wilson reports on the role that Mäori businesses can play in the billion-dollar aid industry.
In the Pacific, aid is supposed to enhance the islands’ economic and social prospects. That task is especially urgent now, as the recession battered islands’ assets recover from the last 18 months. The region’s commodity exports dropped in value, while remittances and equities also declined.
To read this article click here.
Key quotes from this article:
“New Zealand’s overseas development arm, NZ Aid, wants Mäori enterprises to become involved. NZ Aid wants Mäori in the agency’s approved contractor scheme, which matches endorsed businesses with development opportunities in the Pacific. The agency looks for expertise in industries such as agriculture, forestry and fisheries, and as well as other areas such education, health and public sector advice.”
Mäori business synergies in the Pacific
“Several aid and investment groups in the Pacific that now claim to promote more equitable partnerships with the Pacific also say they’d welcome Mäori partnerships. The European Union’s investment bank is one example. The company recently loaned $9m to Vanuatu to support construction of the country’s first wind farm. It is one of the company’s five renewable energy projects on Vanuatu, and fulfils Pacific Island and European Union objectives to encourage renewable energy and address the impacts of climate change.”
“Aldo Dell’Ariccia, European Commission ambassador and head of delegation to Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, says the project is representative of the European Union’s attempts to promote “sustainable economic development that respects peoples’ cultural and economic rights and helps develop economies.”
Loading...
