27 October 2010: The Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) has launched an online portal, titled “e-Pacific Island Countries” (e-PIC), on the sidelines of the 40th meeting of the Committee of Representatives of Governments and Administrations (CRGA), which is convening in Noumea, New Caledonia, from 25-29 October 2010.

According to SPC, e-PIC takes Pacific communities one step closer to information communication technology (ICT) development by making useful ICT information available on an online portal. The portal is expected to generate a significant increase in the dissemination and exchange of relevant information and knowledge among regional and international ICT agencies and Pacific island governments and communities. The portal will include country profiles, downloadable documents, an online forum, a register of ICT professionals and policy makers, a photo and video gallery, and a list of ICT vacancies across the region.

Funding for e-PIC was provided by the European Union through the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP Group) under the “ICT Access for the Poor” project. [SPC Press Release]