The Trade Policy Unit of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Immigration in collaboration with the Cook Islands Business Trade & Investment Board have just completed a series of consultations during the week of 19-23 January 2009 in preparations for the third round of PICTA negotiations.  The extensive consultations is to ensure the private sector, government and non-state actors interests are taken into account given the complexity of services sector liberalization and the impact of the commitments the Cook Islands makes to its service sector.  Upon finalizing the Cook Islands schedule by its trade officials, a policy paper will be drawn up to present to the Minister and Cabinet for endorsement ready for the third round of negotiations in March 2009.