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A REGIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE FOR THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE PACIFIC ISLAND NATIONS
Neil Dias Karunaratne
The nation states of the Pacific comprise over 10,000 islands inhabited by about 5 million people (1980) and growing at 2 percent per annum. Vast inter-island distances,
remoteness from metropolitan markets, rugged terrain, linguistic and ethnic diversity impose severe constraints on the development of Pacific Island Nations (PINs). The ``tyranny of distance`` and
isolation is further aggravated by the tendency of these islands to natural hazards such as cyclones, earthquakes, and tsunamis. For centuries, the island economies have enjoyed a rural subssistence
affluence. The per capita income of A$892 (1979) indicates that PINs currently enjoy living standards that compare favourably with other developing economies. However, triggered by a ``demonstration
effect``, the people of PINs are voting with their feet and their mouths for a more varied and higher living standard.
DEVELOPING ENTREPRENEURSHIP FOR SMALL ENTERPRISES: the Tuvalu experience
John Halley
In the last decade many of the government of the island nations in the South Pacific have advocated policies that encourage the development of small scale industrial or
commercial enterprises in the private sector. Such policies are outlined in the national development plans, in the policy statements of ministers and politicians, and in the
body of advice given by external consultants. These policies reflect a commitment by governments to play an active role in encouraging or regulating the different sectors of
their economies. Obviously, if this role is to be successful, governments need to do more than identify and encourage potential enterprises. An integrated package of
supportive measures have to be created which not only identify sources of investment funds, prepare feasibility studies and make land available, but also offer fiscal
incentives, assist in market development, and promote the entrepreneurial and managerial skills of indigenous businessmen.
THE ROLE OF GOVERNMENT IN PROVIDING ADEQUATE FOOD SUPPLIES : TARIFFS, QUOTAS, SUBSIDIES, AND OTHER APPROACHES
Sitiveni Halapua
In most Pacific island nations today, government are commited to the goal of rapid economic development. This is expressed in their constant indulgence in the laborious
and comprising exercise of preparing succesive development plans. Economic development in the final analysis deals with the complex problem of choices. These
choices determine the use of resources for the purpose of expanding quantity and quality of goods and services available to the population of the country. As in most
developing countries, the economic planners in the Pacific island nations have regarded the clue to economic development as being hinged on structural change.
Thereby, emphasizing the reallocation of resources so as to attain the ``optimum`` or target output produced in a given period.
In this context, its important to recognize that we are concerned with the allocation or rellocation of resources which are not only limited but sources are scarce only in
relation to the peopl’s expectations and desires.
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