In March this year, the Pacific Islands Forum announced Jodie Stewart as Pacific Trade Invest’s Trade Commissioner for Europe.
Jodie is no stranger to the Blue Pacific, her previous role being Export Service Manager for PTI Australia, and she is eager to take her passion for Pacific products to the European market.
“There is something unique about things created in the Pacific. In today’s market there are so many over-processed, carbon footprint-heavy products being made. What I like about the Pacific is that the traditional knowledge about the land and sea is put to good use, with products grown the way nature intended. This is appealing to a growing number of European consumers who want to purchase items that are ethically produced,” says Jodie.
Taking on the European market is no small feat. Jodie said her goal for the first six months as Trade Commissioner is focused on receiving information and direction from Pacific businesses and investment promotion agencies.
“I’m taking this time to have extensive conversations with people, because the European market is huge. I will be defining my priorities based on what our clients in-country are saying to me about where they see the real opportunities to be.
“I will be considering how to assist and grow existing markets, what the time versus opportunity for breaking into new markets will be, and ultimately, where the greatest strategic value and sales opportunities lie.”
Jodie’s enthusiasm for Pacific Island businesses and finding commercial opportunities for Pacific Island products is clear, and has long guided her results-based work in the sector.
“I love my job because I get to work with many different businesses, and each has a unique story. We have seen how resilient the Blue Pacific is during these past 14 months. It has been a difficult time economically, but how businesses have coped by taking steps like moving from bricks-and-mortar stores to online, upskilling themselves and looking to diversify their businesses so they are not fully reliant on tourism, is commendable. I am constantly inspired by the Pacific Island business owners and their teams that I am privileged to work with.
“I’m ready for the challenge of growing the Pacific’s share of trade to Europe and further raising the awareness of the great range of products and services we have to offer the world.”
If you’d like to know more about how Jodie can help your business to enter the European market, reach out to her at Jodie.Stewart@pacifictradeinvest.com.
