Pipso brochure final

STRATEGIC GOALS

CONTACT DETAILS

1. Build Strong and Responsive National Private Sector Organisations (NPSOs) 2. Promote and facilitate greater cooperation and information sharing with the private sector 3. Improve private sector dialogue and partnerships with government and partners 4. Facilitate and build private sector business, trade and competitiveness 5. To strengthen private sector involvement in national and regional policy development and support implementation 6. To advocate for interest of the private sector at regional and international forums 7. To maintain a sustainable, effective and relevant PIPSO

3 Goodenough Street Middle Floor - Lynica House P O Box U30, USP Suva, Fiji Phone: 7736301 www.pipso.org

For general information: info@pipso.org.fj For BDF information: bdf.prog@pipso.org.fj

A region of opportunities for all people to grow and prosper

VISION A region of opportunities for all people to grow and prosper

MISSION To lead the facilitation of private sector-driven economic growth for the benefit of the region

BACKGROUND The Pacific Islands Private Sector Organisation (PIPSO) is the premier private sector representative body in the Pacific Islands region.

It was set-up through the mandate of the Forum Economic Ministers in 2005 to be the representative body of the pacific region’s private sector and to ensure dialogue between public and private sectors for strengthening regional policy making.

In April 2007, PIPSO was established through the support of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

MEMBERS PIPSO’s membership currently consists of the National Private Sector Organisations (NPSOs) of 14 Forum Island Countries (FICS) namely Cook Islands, Fiji, Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Republic of Marshalls Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.

The key role of the NPSOs is to advocate for the interests of the private sector at the country level and participate and contribute to the policy development and strategies for private sector development. NPSOs are required to be inclusive of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and Women in Business as their members.

MEMBERSHIP PIPSO has three categories of membership: 1. Regular Comprises of the NPSOs representing the private sector business organisations or associations in the FICs or Pacific Territories who are current members of any of the Council of Regional Organisations of the Pacific (CROP) agencies.

2. Affiliate Members of CROP Agencies, Trade and Investment Offices in the FICs, a Business Council with jointmembership of both Pacific Islands businesses and businesses of the metropolitan members of the Forum.

3. Associate Members of multi-national companies that operate in the FICs or any person or organization that supports the purpose of PIPSO. Membership Type

Annual Fees

Regular Member

FJ $1,000 - FJ $10,000

Affiliate Member

FJ $1,000

Associate Member

FJ $1,000

BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP • Capacity Building - developing and strengthening the capacity of members to engage in dialogue with governments and donor partners. PIPSO also assists members to formulate strategies and policies.

• Regional Representation - a collective voice to advocate the interests of the private sector at the national, regional and international fora.

• Partnerships - engaging and partnering with the wider network of development partners and regional organisations such as Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, South Pacific Community, Pacific Leadership Program, Pacific Cooperation Foundation, United Nations Development Programme, Melanesian Spearhead Group, South Pacific Tourism Organisation and Pacific Trade and Invest.

• Technical Support - provide technical advice & guidance to members by way of the Business Development Fund, networking, mentoring & training.

• Advocacy & Awareness - Facilitate the identification of issues faced by the private sector and to initiate and facilitate funding avenues.

• Networking - opportunity to establish connections with business people from around the region for trade and knowledge sharing. PIPSO also makes referrals for goods and services.

• Funding Assistance

FUNDING ASSISTANCE PIPSO provides various forms of funding and technical assistance to businesses.

Detailed information on the assistance can be obtained from the PIPSO website, an NPSO Office in your country or the PIPSO Secretariat in Suva, Fiji.

1. Business Development Fund A cost sharing grant scheme administered by PIPSO to assist individual SMEs of the FICs and community-based organisations with commercial interests characterised by limited financial resources, a lack of access to capital, and often an undue reliance on debt.

The BDF aims to enhance economic development of the regions private sector and to increase the Pacific’s skills set, operational and technological capacities, and competitiveness through: • market research and increased market access • capacity building in product development • development of promotional materials • facilitation of technical advisory services • practical hands-on training attachments • exploration visits • exhibitions and conference participation • product quality assurance To qualify for funding, businesses must be registered in one of PIPSO’s member countries and be in operation for more than one year.

2. Capacity Building Fund A grant scheme administered by PIPSO to NPSOs to support and build their capacity to provide better services to its members, to strengthen engagement, dialogue and partnerships between the private and public sector and to contribute effectively to national policies related to private sector development and investment at national, subregional and regional level.

Areas of support include: • Enhanced organisational development - operations • Business development - workshops and training • Funding for research and studies • Enhanced advocacy support - consultations and training • Facilitates trade and market development • Development of publications and marketing material • Development or improvement of statistical database