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Australian Government Eager to Be Part of Guam Buildup |
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February 6, 2008
(Canberra, Australia) Governor Felix P. Camacho led an informative roundtable discussion this afternoon with key officials in the Australian federal government about trade opportunities, Guam's growing strategic role in the region's economy and security and the need to train and import labor to Guam.
Leaders from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Department of Defense, the Office of National Assessments and AUSTRADE participated in the high-level discussions during a meeting at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra, Australia.
"Australia can play a critical role in the Guam buildup and the development of Micronesia because we can relate to many of the same issues," Governor Camacho said at the discussion. "We hope to see a larger influence from Australia in trade, tropical research and ecosystems."
Governor Camacho also summarized the relocation of U.S. Marines to Guam during the discussion.
"We attach a lot of importance in the bilateral relationship between Australia and Guam," First Assistant Secretary, Pacific Division of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Richard Rowe told the Governor. "It's important we recognize the strategic importance of Guam and the increasing role Guam plays in regional and global affairs. On the Australia side, we have a lot to offer for infrastructure solutions in ports, roads, water, wastewater and more."
Governor Camacho laid out the challenges Guam faces and how Australia can provide a regional solution to many issues. The severe labor shortage soon to occur in Guam can be helped by Australian skilled workers and development opportunities in Australia for Guam's workforce. Department officials in Australia will contact the Guam Department of Labor to discuss further details of the idea embraced by these leaders.
Australian leaders then asked about business opportunities for Australian companies willing to come to Guam and invest in that kind of development. Governor Camacho made several suggestions and invited AUSTRADE to lead a delegation to Guam for the Guam Industry Forum. Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade officials also said they will be excited to host business leaders from Guam into Australia to meet with prospective investors and bridge partnerships.
Drug trafficking, transnational crime and maritime crimes also were discussed as they affect both Guam and Australia. Australian government officials said there is a concerted effort to destroy drug precursors and operations in the region which have been made possible by increasing Pacific island relationships that produce law enforcement information sharing. Centers for transnational crimes have been set up throughout the Pacific and the Australian government is interested in working with Guam to further secure the island from drug predators and transnational criminals.
Officials said there are major upcoming discussions to strengthen regional cooperation for fisheries enforcement, in large part because of the over-fishing of Yellowfin and Big Eye tuna. These species affect the economies of many nations.
"Fisheries enforcement is a huge issue for us," Governor Camacho told the officials. "Much of the Yellowfin Tuna is being over-fished. Sustainability is an issue. Because of lacking maritime law enforcement, it's been a 'free-for-all' for companies to come out and over-fish."
Governor Camacho turned the discussion to renewable energy and asked the Australian officials for support and expertise in developing renewable energy sources for electrical power production.
Trade officials said there are a number of alternative fuel sources and quite a few opportunities for Australian companies to partner with the government and private sector of Guam to develop cost-saving energy alternatives.
Tourism and China also were discussed. Both issues also are important to Australia. Governor Camacho told Australia officials the Guam Visitors Bureau will be leading a promotion road show to Australia. Australian officials also said a trade mission is scheduled in March to Guam. The Governor and Australian officials agreed to link their tourism agencies in a partnership for joint promotion.
"I'd like to thank you for the very rich discussion on opportunities in Guam," First Assistant Secretary Rowe said. "We on the Australia side are very interested to engage Guam and help your island to take advantage of these opportunities. We are embarking on a very new and exciting stage with Guam in our bilateral relationship."
"We look forward to a growing relationship with the Australian government," Governor Camacho told Assistant Secretary Rowe.
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