Vanuatu is expecting up to 200 delegates once the country hosts the inaugural Pacific Week of Agriculture (PWA) from 16 - 20 October 2017
The figure has been revealed by organizers in Port Vila who are optimistic PWA, which will combine for the first time, two key regional agriculture meetings – the Heads of Agriculture and Forestry Services meeting organised by the Pacific Community or SPC, and the Ministers of Agriculture and Forestry Meeting organised by SPC and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations or FAO. It is anticipated that PWA will live up to its billing as the premiere agriculture and agritourism forum for the region.
Plans are well underway to host PWA at the Vanuatu National Convention Centre in the Vanuatu Capital, Port Vila.
Vanuatu will host for the first time in the Pacific Region, the FAO Deputy Director General, Maria Helena Samedo who will represent the Rome based organisation at PWA. In attendance at PWA will also be Pacific Ministers of Agriculture and Forestry, regional and international stakeholders from across the Pacific, Europe and the world at large, expected to converge in Port Vila for the first time for the one-week event.
All 26 members of the SPC, which include metropolitan countries and members of SPC: Australia, New Zealand, France and the US are sending in participants.
“Preparations on the ground have been very good. I want to thank Aru and the PWA Team for their coordination efforts. Vanuatu is looking forward to hosting the event. The support from everyone – SPC, FAO, CTA (Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation) and all regional partners have been excellent. We are truly honoured and look forward to seeing you all,” said Seremaiah.
PWA will begin with a two-day agritourism festival for movers and shakers of agritourism, keen to showcase their products and establish vital connections for future trade in agriculture products, business and tourism.
