NAZHAT Shameem Khan has presented her credentials as Fiji’s permanent representative to the World Trade Organization.
A Department of Information statement said Mrs Khan presented her credentials to the WTO director-general Roberto Azevedo on Thursday.
In doing so, Mrs Khan became the first permanent representative of Fiji to the WTO to be reside in Geneva.
The statement said she told Mr Azevedo Fiji would do its utmost to participate effectively in the work of the WTO, to represent Fiji and where appropriate the Pacific SIDS interests at the WTO.
Mr Azevedo welcomed the establishment of Fiji’s resident mission in Geneva and said he hoped this would allow the voice of the Pacific to be heard at the WTO, which had not been heard on a regular basis until now.
He hoped engagement by the WTO with the Pacific would also increase as a result of Fiji’s presence and participation at the WTO.
He also expressed his wish to visit the region early in the new year.
Mrs Khan welcomed such a visit and said this would also help to increase focus on the WTO in Fiji and the region.
Acknowledging, the work of the WTO could be technical and detailed in nature, Mrs Khan and Mr Azevedo agreed Fiji should tap into assistance available through the WTO to maximise the engagement with the WTO.
Mrs Khan was also welcomed to the community of WTO permanent representatives at the General Council meeting on October 21, the statement said.
