Trade Policy Framework for Kiribati 2017-2027.

This Trade Policy Framework (TPF) for Kiribati is the first integrated trade policy document on trade related matters in Kiribati. The Policy fills an important gap in the country’s overall policy framework for economic transformation, which has so far relied on a horizontal treatment of trade issues coupled with some selected trade-specific measures. It sets out the importance of trade for Kiribati as well as the overall mechanisms through which Kiribati can use trade as a tool for inclusive and sustainable development in line with national development strategies.
The TPF promotes a balanced relationship between integration in the global economy and sustainable development. It also promotes a more transparent and predictable business environment and seeks to integrate women, youth and the disabled (especially those living on the outer Islands) into the national development agenda. In summary, the TPF seeks to: a) Set and redefine Government Policy relating to international and domestic trade; b) Design appropriate complementary measures to improve the business regulatory and macroeconomic environment; c) Increase investment in infrastructure to support trade development; d) Improve coordination of institutions responsible for promoting and regulating trade; e) Improve the institutional arrangements for implementing the trade policy agenda in Kiribati.
This text sets out the vision of the Government of Kiribati on how trade can be used as a fundamental tool for achieving the overall national development issues and targets. The vision of the Trade Policy is: A dynamic and competitive economy for equitable distribution of wealth and prosperity. The overall mission of the Policy is to facilitate the transformation of Kiribati into a competitive economy and strengthen its participation in both domestic and international trade with the ultimate objective of creating wealth and prosperity. Objectives here listed are as follows: Setting and redefining Government policy relating to international and domestic trade; Designing appropriate complementary measures to improve the business regulatory and macroeconomic environment; Increasing investment in infrastructure in order to support trade development; Improving coordination of institutions responsible for promoting and regulating trade; Improving the institutional arrangements for implementing the trade policy agenda in Kiribati; Mainstreaming trade into national development strategies and sector policies.