MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Falklands Councillors in EU trade forum

Falkland Islands Councillors will be involved in several important meetings overseas during this month and October. One of them regarding Rules of Origin in Brussels is particularly significant for the Islands fisheries industry.

Ian Hansen and Richard Cockwell are attending the 51st Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Plenary Conference and Small Countries conference in Fiji and later in the month Roger Edwards will join a European Union Partnership Working Party.

This is the first meeting of this partnership working party set up to provide a forum for discussion between representatives of the Overseas Territories, Member States and relevant Directorates within the European Commission and will be held in Brussels on September 21. The group will discuss the current situation regarding Rules of Origin and proposals for the future.

According to a spokesperson for Gilbert House, Rules of Origin play a large part in the development of the Falkland Islands, "...particularly with regard to the marketing of fish products in the EU. They will also have an impact on any future business development aimed at these markets.

"It is therefore important that all opportunities to participate in discussions on future policy are taken and that the points that affect our development are clearly put to the Commission".

Following that meeting, Roger Edwards, joined by Councillor Jan Cheek, will attend the Labour and Conservative Party Conferences in late September/early October. Jan Cheek will also attend this year's meeting of the Overseas Territories Consultative Council, as will Councillor Norma Edwards. (PN).-