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Summary
of discussion on foreign investment in Cook Islands, Pacific
Number of
substantive responses = 20
65% support
the idea that large-scale foreign investment does not benefit
small islands
- Governments
have too free a hand to negotiate away a country's property,
and to issue development permits
- Countries
need to revisit their development plans and encourage only those
investments that promote the full involvement of local residents
- Foreign
investment is only a symptom of the problems faced by small
islands, the root causes are over-population and corrupt leaders
- Cook Islands
stand to lose their unique identity due to the foreign investment
and importation of foreign labour
5% support
the concept that large-scale foreign investment does benefit small
islands
- Foreign
investment fuels the construction industry and creates more
jobs
30% discussed
related issues namely political corruption, trade policies and
education
- Paying
a reduced number of politicians a generous salary will lessen
corruption
- Political
corruption is a fact of life in all countries, and there is
a need to accept this and find ways to work around it
- Products
from less developed countries, such as small islands, do not
receive a fair market price, thereby leading to further inequalities
between the rich and the poor
- Young
people have insufficient drive and work ethic to achieve their
goals
- Part of
the solution to creating good leaders and responsible members
of society among the young lies in creating bridges between
home, school and communities
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