Regional Workshop Advances Implementation of Tariff Commitments under PACER Plus
APIA, Samoa – Customs officials from eight Pacific Island countries have concluded a three-day Regional Workshop on Transposition of Tariff Commitments and Product-Specific Rules (PSRs) under the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations Plus (PACER Plus). The workshop, held in Apia, Samoa, from 16-18 September 2025, brought together officials from the Cook Islands, Kiribati, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu. The workshop was designed to help countries align their PACER Plus tariff schedules and product-specific rules with the latest version of the Harmonised System (HS), an internationally standardised system of names and numbers used to classify traded products. Periodic updates to the HS ensure that trade rules keep pace with new products and changing technologies. Ms. Sisilia Asel Lui from Vanuatu Customs and Inland Revenue makes a point at the workshop. For Pacific Island member countries of the PACER Plus, updating tariff commitments and PSRs is essential to ensure that goods can move freely and fairly across borders of the PACER Plus Parties. Without these updates, countries risk inconsistencies in how goods are treated, which could create unnecessary trade barriers, confusion for traders, and revenue collection implications. “HS 2022 introduced over 350 sets of amendments to product classifications, and Pacific Island countries need to update their commitments to reflect these changes. This workshop provided a valuable opportunity to work through technical issues together, harmonise approaches, and set realistic timelines for implementation.” Mr. Saba Vallipuram, Tariff and Rules of Origin Expert, who has been assisting PACER Plus countries with this process since early 2025 As of January 2025, countries were at different stages of updating their tariff commitments. Samoa, Tonga, and Vanuatu have made progress with draft HS2022 transposed schedules, while others such as Kiribati and Tuvalu were slightly behind. The Solomon Islands recently finalised its updated tariff schedule. This week’s workshop has helped remaining countries, particularly Kiribati and Tuvalu, to take concrete steps towards completing their schedules. It also equips countries with the knowledge and tools for the next transposition to HS2028. Mrs. Annette Kotela Ibe, Team Leader Technical at the Ministry of Finance’s Customs and Excise Division in Solomon Islands, noted the importance of the workshop for building regional consistency: “For Pacific Island countries like ours, aligning tariff commitments and product-specific rules is not just about compliance. It’s also about creating a level playing field for our businesses. This workshop gave us clarity and practical tools to move forward. It also reassures traders that PACER Plus countries are committed to facilitating trade in a fair and transparent way.” Customs officials from eight Pacific Island countries at the three-day Regional Workshop on Transposition of Tariff Commitments and Product-Specific Rules under PACER Plus in Apia, Samoa. At the close of the workshop, participants agreed on next steps to finalise their updated tariff commitment schedules, address pending comments from earlier technical reviews, and complete the necessary legislative processes to adopt the new transposed HS2022 schedules. For Pacific exporters and importers, this work means simpler, clearer, and more predictable trade rules. For governments, it strengthens the foundation for economic growth by ensuring that PACER Plus continues to deliver on its promise of expanding regional trade and investment. -ENDS- More articles like this one
Cultivating More Than Crops in Samoa
The first rays of sunlight hit the taro fields of Lefaga village in Samoa, and 33-year-old Kent Onesemo is already at work. The morning air is alive with low hum of a brush cutter, the chatter of farmhands, and the occasional call of cattle grazing nearby. It’s a familiar routine for Kent, a father of six who has learned that farming, like life, demands patience, grit and vision. “I have a full-time job,” Kent says, wiping sweat from his brow. “But it wasn’t enough to support my family. I knew I had to do something more.” Kent Onesemo at his farm in Lefaga, Samoa. Four years ago, he turned to farming, planting taro and raising cattle on six acres of land. What began as a side effort to ease financial strain soon grew into something bigger. After two years of supplying Samoa’s local markets, Kent ventured into exports. His very first month abroad brought in WST$12,000 (AU$6,700). “It was exciting but overwhelming,” he admits. “The demand was there, but I couldn’t keep up with it.” Rather than risk burning out, Kent made the bold choice to pause exports while he focused on expanding and strengthening his farm. That expansion was given a boost in July 2025 when the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations Plus (PACER Plus), through the Samoa Farmers Association, provided over WST$89,000 (AU$50,000) worth of farming and processing equipment to local farmers. Kent was among the 1,000 beneficiaries. The support included taro chippers, multi-use grinders, tillers, ground drillers, brush cutters, and chainsaws — all tools that turned Kent’s ambitions into achievable plans. “The equipment from PACER Plus came just when I needed it most,” Kent says. “It has lifted the pressure and helped me prepare for the next stage of exports.” But Kent’s story isn’t just about farming. It’s also about redefining what it means to be a farmer in the Pacific. Under the name Samoan Farmer, Kent has carved out a space online where he documents his journey. His YouTube channel has almost 17,000 subscribers, with thousands more following him on Facebook and Instagram. His videos blend farm tutorials with moments of candid honesty. They’ve struck a chord so much so that six Samoans have launched their own farms after watching Kent’s content. “That’s the best part. Knowing my story is inspiring others to start their own.” Kent Onesemo After a hard day’s work at the farm, Kent Onesemo is ready to transport some of his produce to the local market. What began as a way to share knowledge has also grown into a business. With his video production skills, Kent has created commercials for local companies, bringing in more than WST$50,000 in revenue. His website, www.samoanfarmer.com, now sells branded merchandise. Still, Kent’s focus remains on the bigger picture: using his journey to encourage young Samoan and Pacific people to embrace technology as a tool for growth. “We’re great at using social media for fun, but not enough for building skills or learning about financial literacy,” he says. “I want young Samoans to have a vision for themselves. To step out of their comfort zones and take chances.” Of course, farming isn’t without its challenges. There are days when the work feels too heavy, the market too demanding, or the weather too unforgiving. “But that’s when I push harder,” Kent explains. “It’s like driving up a steep hill — you’ve got to press the accelerator a little more to get over the top. Once you’re there, the view makes it worth it.” For Kent, the view is more than financial stability. It’s the pride of seeing his children run through the taro rows, the satisfaction of exporting Samoan produce to the world, and the knowledge that he is building something that others can follow. “You can never do this alone,” he says. “It takes family, community, and support like PACER Plus to make it possible.” -ENDS- More articles like this one