Niue Chamber of Commerce Optimistic about Future of Private Sector

PRESS RELEASE -Alofi, Niue, 5th May 2012 - The Niue Chamber of Commerce is optimistic about the future of the private sector on the island nation because of the improved relations with the Government.

"I believe the stars are aligned with the private sector on Niue this time. We have a good government which supports the private sector. We have a good High Commissioner (New Zealand High Commissioner) that also believes in Niue. We have a good tourism department and a good business manager here at the Chamber. It's going to work. If you come next year you will see more improvements and a happier people," said Avi Rubin, Chairperson of the Niue Chamber of Commerce.

Mr Rubin explained that there's been a great improvement in the government-private sector relations.

"The relationship has just got better. As you work with people and you perform, they tend to trust you more and tend to give you more and more information and involve you more in their activities and decisions making process. For us it's been quite good," said Mr Rubin

He added: "Every time there is a HOD (Heads of Department) meeting, we are asked to go and contribute, when there's a budget talk with New Zealand they want us to come and present what we like to happen. It's nice to see all of use working together towards a common goal to increase the growth of the private sector."

The New Zealand Government through the government of Niue has funded a Business Manager for the Niue Chamber of Commerce to assist grow existing businesses in Niue and as well as assist new businesses.

Commenting on the Niue Peer Review conducted last year, the Chamber of Commerce Chairperson Mr Rubin said : "It is always good to see someone from outside giving their view because sometimes you are too much involved. You are too much consumed in what you do."

"It's also good that the Peer Review puts into perspective not only the private sector but also the government departments to make sure we are all on the same line," Mr Rubin said.

A Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat Team was in Niue from 27th April to 4th May on a follow up visit to the Peer Review, consulted with the Chamber of Commerce on the involvement of the private sector in the government's planning and budgeting process.