The Pacific Islands Private Sector Organisation (PIPSO) and the Pacific Islands Association of Non Governmental Organisations (PIANGO) are now official members of the Pacific Islands Development Forum (PIDF).

This was after the PIPSO and PIANGO signed the PIDF Charter yesterday.

PIDF’s secretary-general, Francois Martel said the private sector involvement gave greater influence for PIDF.

“The private sector is the main engine of growth and sustainable development,” Mr Martel said.

“It assists us to involve all the key stakeholders.”

Mr Martel will be traveling to Tonga next week for a retreat meeting.

Representatives from PIPSO and PIANGO also expressed the importance of the partnership as it availed greater representation at all levels to further the work they do in the region.

“It is a retreat for Small Pacific Islands developing States, New York Missions Ambassadors mainly to look at Post COP 21, the Paris Agreement, Agenda 2030 and decide on a united position and to set up their work for the next couple of years.”

PIPSO  represents   15  national  private organisations in the region.