The Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) was projecting significant growth in intra-MSG trade for 2013 and 2014 based on statistics and positive developments, a Fijian official said Wednesday.

Shaheen Ali, Fiji's permanent secretary for industry and trade as well as MSG Trade and Economic Officials Meeting chairman, said the period 2005 to 2009 saw a substantial increase of intra-MSG trade export rise by more than 300 percent.

Fiji's total trade with the Pacific island countries increased from less than 1 percent in 2000 to 4.5 percent in 2010, Ali said at the opening of the three-day MSG Trade and Economic Officials Meeting on Wednesday, adding that approximately 45 percent of this trade was now with MSG countries.

"It's not these numbers alone that are important, it is what they represent... The steady growth in trade is a result of our leaders' bold vision of a truly integrated Pacific, beginning with a truly integrated MSG," said Ali.

To this end, Ali underscored, MSG trade and economic officials need to work towards a "common economic union", which is tailor- made to take into account the MSG unique characteristics. "This will entail a creation of a 'common market', with the free movement of goods, services, labor and capital," he said.

Trade and economic cooperation in Fiji formed the foundation for prosperity and growth in the region, Ali said, "Fiji has just returned from a hugely successful trade and investment mission to Papua New Guinea that I have no doubt will lead to many new opportunities for both nations... In turn the momentum achieved from this mission, we hope, will lead to further integration between all countries of the MSG."

Highlighting the success in trade for MSG countries, Ali said the countries were already on the right path with the implementation of the MSG Trade Agreement, MSG Memorandum of Understanding on Skills Movement Scheme and Fijian Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama's announcement of the removal of pre-entry visa requirements for Fijians visiting Papua New Guinea among other things.

As an intergovernmental organization, the MSG consists of Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, as well as the FLNKS ( Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front) of New Caledonia.