WTO membership could reduce local jobs in Vanuatu: public servant
23/08/2011 118A senior public servant in Vanuatu has warned that moves to join the World Trade Organisation could reduce job opportunities for indigenous people.
Labour Commissioner Lionel Kaluat says he is concerned commitments required by Vanuatu's WTO accession package will prompt a continuing influx of foreign workers into jobs that can be done by Ni-Vanuatu.
He says more discussion of the package is needed and has called for a nationwide referendum on WTO membership.
Trade Minister Ham Lini says the government has already held wide consultations but did not get much public interest.
Mr Lini says he is open to discussion but, at this stage, does not see a need to review the accession package.
August 17, 2011
Source: australianetworknews.com
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