8 December 2010: The Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) and the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) are convening the Regional Consultation on Cultural Industries from 7-10 December 2010, in Suva, Fiji. Funded by the EU, the aim of the meeting is to discuss issues related to the development and protection of cultural industries, including copyright, policies for the protection of traditional knowledge and economic support.

According to Fekitamoeloa ‘Utoikamanu, SPC Deputy Director General, cultural and creative industries are among the fastest-growing economic sectors, and their untapped potential could benefit Pacific economies and societies. ‘Utoikamanu explained that in the Pacific, “we often do not think of cultural goods and services as an industry because culture is such an important and central part of us as individuals, communities, countries and the region.” She said, as a result, culture does not benefit from the public and private sector support and interest that are given to agriculture, fisheries and transport. ‘Utoikamanu also noted that national Human Resource Development Plans do not integrate culture as an area for training and education, resulting in inadequate expertise and knowledge base for the sector and industry to develop. [SPC Press Release]