Pacific conference focuses on riding out recession

A conference to discuss the recession's impact on Pacific Island nations is being held in Auckland this week.

The conference, called "Brother Pacific Wave: Weathering the Economic Storm", will focus on immediate and long-term solutions to the recession, including tourism, trade and employment.

Organised by the Pacific Co-operation Foundation, it is being held at the SkyCity convention centre tomorrow and Thursday.

Foundation chief executive Meg Poutasi said the conference would discuss ideas including developing a Pacific brand to generate consumer awareness and demand for Pacific Island goods. There was a $1.1 billion trade deficit between Pacific Island countries and New Zealand and action was needed to encourage Pacific exports, she said.

"This is a huge issue - particularly at this time when the global economic downturn is like a wave gradually rolling into thePacific."

Participants would also discuss the recession's impact on migration and seasonal work, particularly New Zealand's the seasonal employer scheme.

Speakers include Foreign Minister Murray McCully and prominent business people.

- NZPA