Report on APLMF Pacific Island Workshop, 21 Oct 2008

1. Report on APLMF Pacific Island Workshop,21 Oct 2008

2. Participants • Mr D Ratabwiy, Nauru • Mr V Gabi, Papua New Guinea • Ms G Fuimaono, Samoa • Mr O Jino, Solomon Islands • Ms P Palometa, Tonga • Mr M Lototele, Pacific Island Forum (PIF) Secretariat, Fiji • Dr G Harvey, Workshop Chair, Member, APLMF Executive • Mr A Johnston, Member, APLMF Executive • Mr J Birch, CIML Honorary Member • Mrs M Haire, Chair, APLMF WG Training Coordination • Dr U Diekmann, PTB Technical Cooperation • Dr A Samuel, NMI, Australia, APMP DEC

3. Workshop Objective • To review current status of Legal Metrology/ Trade Measurement in Pacific Island States and key issues/needs with a view to develop recommendations for consideration: • at national level • at Pacific-regional level • by APLMF • by OIML

4. Workshop Program • Studies of standards and conformance activities/needs undertaken in 2005 – Metrology study by J Birch • Update from PIF Secretariat on related activities since 2005 • Survey responses and reports from participants • Identification of recommendations

5. Key issues / needs and outputs identified • Membership / affiliation with APLMF • possible conduit through PNG (existing APLMF member) • sub-regional affiliation (through PIF?) Benefits: • Access to resources such as training, documentation, SRB-level projects, etc Issues: • costs of participation in meetings  one economy/liaison point to provide representation • level of development of PIs c.f APLMF members  APLMF membership includes economies at similar level of development • current access to APLMF material  Password restrictions?

6. Key issues / needs and outputs identified • Input/advice from OIML  OIML RLMOs Meeting • Pacific Island Forum “Standards and Conformance Seminar” 2009 • Awareness-raising/commitment by governments • APLMF/OIML expert participation in regional events e.g., PIF “S&C Seminar”, 2009 • Dissemination of OIML leaflet and APLMF SWG2 Guideline document (stakeholder brochure) • Creation of Directory of Legal Metrology authorities / contact points & dissemination of information  PIF Secretariat to consider: • taking on role of maintaining database • developing a “S&C” webpage on the PIF Website

7. Key issues / needs and outputs identified • Harmonising metrological systems among PI States • Establishment of a Pacific Island Metrology Forum • Drafting of new / review of existing legislation • common need for expert advice in developing appropriate legislation, incorporating, e.g., administrative structures, cost recovery, sustainability • National coordination of legislative requirements administered by different agencies • Training needs  range of specific priority needs identified • APLMF courses of particular interest include: “Train the Trainer”, NAWI, Traffic safety, Electricity & Water meters, Fuel dispensers, taxi meters, technical training for inspectors • Equipment needs  range of specific priority needs identified

8. Key issues / needs and outputs identified • Needs assessment: • Application of APLMF SWG1 guideline document by each PI State re: needs assessment, identification and prioritisation of national and regional needs  provide input to Pacific Island “S&C Seminar” and Regional Trade Facilitation Programme (RTFP) development • Technical assistance/donor-related: • Assistance in development of submissions to donor agencies • Coordination of technical assistance / donor activities (e.g., EU, AusAID, NZAID, JICA) • Effective involvement of technical experts from key regional partners (e.g., Australia, New Zealand, Chinese Taipei, China)

9. Acknowledgements • the Asia Pacific Legal Metrology Forum • Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), Germany • Mr John Birch • NMI, Australia