Pacific Islands Economic ministers have called for greater public participation in discussions on economic reforms and governance.
The FEMM 2004 meeting has just concluded in Rotorua.
Our reporter Don Wiseman was there.
"The ministers have issued an action plan and say a closer partnership must be built with Pacific communities and their institutions to promote governance and accountability. This would include links with NGOs, churches and encouragement for strong independent media. The meeting stressed the importance of increased competition to improve efficiency and maintain disciplined government budgets. There was agreement on the need for more effort to strengthen institutions and laws to prevent corruption and to improve public sector governance. The ministers emphasised the need for economically sustainable services and good governance in the transport sector and if subsidies are needed, this must be transparent."
