2023 Planning Committee opening meeting kicks off in Pohnpei

President Mori giving his remarks

The 2023 Planning Committee, created by Executive Order No. 40 on March 6, 2012 held its opening meeting in Pohnpei on April 9, 2013.

Opening the meeting, FSM President Manny Mori made an opening remark that set the tone for the committee that is expected to carry out a massive and crucial task the next twelve months to assist the five Governments in the FSM in dealing with the anticipated termination of Compact grants comes 2023.

Except for the State of Kosrae, all Governors from the other States were present to open the deliberation of the committee, which will comprise of a representative from each State and one from the National Government. The chairperson for the committee will be selected by the President, according to the Executive Order.

The Leaders made some preliminary discussions today on how to proceed with the committee, assisted by the FSM Office of Statistics, Budget and Economic Management, Overseas Development Assistance and Compact Management (SBOC) -- the secretariat, and the President’s Chief of Staff.

The Leaders will hold an Executive Session tomorrow afternoon to further clarify the committee's Terms of Reference and undertake other considerations that will allow the committee to commence on its mandate with the appropriate resources, technical staff, professional support, etc.

The Governors and State Representative expressed agreement to the convening of the committee at this time to ensure vigilant collaboration as the Compact winds down to 2023.

The Leaders echoed very similar statements, stressing the importance of not only addressing budgetary shortfalls from Compact grants withdrawal and the expected shortfall in the Compact Trust Fund yields but also the urgency of the ultimate responsibility to “grow the economy” and build opportunities in a realistic and committed manner.

Ambassador Eiichi Suzuki of Japan, Dean of the Diplomatic Corp, also made a remark, stressing the importance of the committee’s mandate, which is believed to convey a clear message of commitment to making concerted effort together in building a way forward for everyone, utilizing a broad support system. 

A detailed reporting on the meeting will be made after results and outcomes are shared by the Secretariat.

The link to the Executive Order is provided below. 

http://www.fsmpio.fm/Executive_order_40.pdf