Cook Islands Sets Regional Benchmark with Uniquely Cook Islands Branding Program
PACER Plus-supported initiative safeguards cultural identity while driving inclusive economic growth RAROTONGA, Cook Islands — The Cook Islands has marked a historic milestone under the PACER Plus Agreement with the co-design of its ground-breaking Branding Program: Uniquely Cook Islands. The initiative — the first of its kind in the Pacific — was validated through a day-long workshop that brought together artisans, entrepreneurs, cultural leaders, and government representatives. Designed to safeguard cultural knowledge and creativity, protect against counterfeiting, and strengthen global recognition, the program ensures that Cook Islands products and services are respected and trusted worldwide. It also fosters investment opportunities, including through the diaspora, particularly in the cultural and creative industries. Repeta Puna, CEO of the Business Trade & Investment Board (BTIB) Through its Certification Mark and Tokens, Uniquely Cook Islands will make authenticity visible, give buyers confidence, and future-proof the culture, customs, and traditions of the islands. It also directly advances the Cook Islands Government’s National Sustainable Development Strategy (NSDS), linking cultural protection with inclusive and sustainable economic growth. “This is not just a certification mark; it is a national commitment to honouring who we are as a people. By designing this program together, with voices from Rarotonga, the Pa Enua, and our diaspora, we are setting a global standard for best practice in cultural integrity and sustainable trade.” Repeta Puna, CEO of the Business Trade & Investment Board (BTIB) The “Branding Program: Uniquely Cook Islands” initiative was validated through a day-long workshop that brought together artisans, entrepreneurs, cultural leaders, and government representatives. The Uniquely Cook Islands Certification Program is built on three pillars: Protect: Safeguard cultural intellectual property and prevent misuse of traditional designs, language, and stories. Participate: Enable small and micro-businesses, particularly artisans and those in the outer islands, to participate in trade on fair and transparent terms. Prosper: Unlock economic value at home and abroad, ensuring the Cook Islands’ reputation for authenticity strengthens in global markets. Highlighting the broader significance of the program, Dr Alisi Kautoke Holani, PACER Plus Trade in Services and Investment Lead, noted: “For artisans and cultural practitioners, the program provides recognition and pricing power that reflects their skill and heritage. For entrepreneurs and innovators, it offers a pathway to sustainable growth while proudly carrying the Cook Islands name. For the Cook Islands diaspora, it establishes a channel to contribute to the homeland’s cultural and economic advancement.” With strong interest already expressed by local businesses and cultural leaders, the program is now entering its final co-design stages before launch. The Cook Islands is poised to set an inspiring regional and global benchmark in protecting and promoting cultural identity through trade. -ENDS- More articles like this one
Cook Islands Completes Landmark Crop Pest Survey to Strengthen Trade and Plant Health
RAROTONGA, Cook Islands – The Cook Islands has successfully completed a national crop pest survey, its first in years, as part of a push to protect local agriculture and strengthen trade opportunities in the region and beyond. The survey, carried out from 14-25 July 2025 in Aitutaki and Rarotonga, was led by the Cook Islands’ Ministry of Agriculture in partnership with the PACER Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU), Australia’s Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF), Northern Australia Quarantine Strategy (NAQS), New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and Lincoln University. It forms a key part of the Cook Islands’ commitment under PACER Plus to improve its plant health systems and support safe, sustainable trade. Cook Islands’ crop pest survey, its first in years, was led by the by the Cook Islands’ Ministry of Agriculture in partnership with the PPIU, Australia’s DAFF, Northern Australia Quarantine Strategy, New Zealand’s MPI, and Lincoln University. “Keeping our agricultural borders strong for potential export opportunities requires good data. This survey provides exactly that, an up-to-date understanding of the pest and disease risks facing our crops, and a stronger foundation for trade.” Ms. Temarama Anguna-Kamana, Head of the Ministry of Agriculture The fieldwork involved targeted surveillance of key crops and entry pathways across Aitutaki and Rarotonga, followed by in-country diagnostic training for Ministry staff. Samples collected were analysed in-country and further tested in DAFF’s specialised laboratories in Australia. This dual-track approach not only ensured scientific rigour but also built long-term diagnostic capacity within the Ministry. The fieldwork involved surveillance of key crops and entry pathways across Aitutaki and Rarotonga, followed by in-country diagnostic training for Ministry staff. Mr. Alipate Tavo, Trade Adviser at the PACER Plus Implementation Unit, said the plant health surveillance demonstrates how to facilitate international trade while protecting plant life or health in the PACER Plus countries. “Cook Islands is showing leadership by investing in the systems that matter such as biosecurity, pest reporting, and diagnostics,” he said. “We’re pleased to support this work because plant health isn’t just a technical issue. It’s about growing exports, protecting livelihoods, and ensuring farmers can reach new markets with confidence.” The activity included the procurement of specialised traps, lures, and field kits from Australia, and hands-on training for Cook Islands agricultural officers in data collection and pest identification. Survey results will be used to update the Pacific Pest List Database and meet reporting obligations under the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC). By providing an updated pest status, the survey sets the stage for more accurate pest risk assessments, improved biosecurity planning, and strengthened trade access for Cook Islands-grown produce, particularly in regional and international markets. A final report capturing the survey’s findings and recommendations will be submitted to the Ministry of Agriculture and the PACER Plus Implementation Unit in August 2025. -ENDS- More articles like this one
Cook Islands New E-Commerce Work Plan to Drive Economic Growth and Innovation
RAROTONGA, Cook Islands – The Cook Islands took a significant step towards fostering a dynamic e-commerce ecosystem with the launch of the Cook Islands E-Commerce Acceleration Work Plan. The strategy was funded by the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations Plus (PACER Plus) and aims to drive economic growth, innovation, and job creation in the digital age. Ms. Sally Wyatt (far right), Chief Economist and E-commerce Lead with the Cook Islands Ministry of Finance and Economic Development at the launch of the E-Commerce Acceleration Work Plan. The Cook Islands E-Commerce Acceleration Work Plan was unveiled by the Hon. Mark Brown, Prime Minister of the Cook Islands, in a ceremony held on 23 August 2023, in Avarua. The plan sets forth a comprehensive approach to enhancing the nation’s e-commerce landscape, focusing on collaboration between government and private sector stakeholders. Prime Minister Brown emphasized the transformative potential of the E-Commerce Acceleration Work Plan, stating that the Work Plan “is a significant milestone in our efforts to build a resilient and prosperous economy”. Mr. Roy Lagolago, Head of the PACER Plus Implementation Unit, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative: “PACER Plus is proud to support the Cook Islands in its journey towards a thriving e-commerce ecosystem. This work plan reflects a well-considered strategy that aligns with regional goals and priorities, and we are confident that it will have a positive and lasting impact on the Cook Islands’ economic development.” The Cook Islands E-Commerce Acceleration Work Plan is designed with a phased approach to implementation, focusing on key policy areas that include the legal and regulatory framework, online payments, policies and strategies, ICT infrastructure and services, logistics and trade facilitation, skills development, and access to finance. The work plan is the result of extensive consultations with industry stakeholders, government officials, consumers, and international partners. It also incorporates findings from a comprehensive legal and regulatory analysis, identifying priority reforms to support the growth of the e-commerce sector. The phased activities range from modernising payment systems and adopting cybercrime protections to expanding access to digital infrastructure and promoting consumer protection. The work plan aligns with the Pacific Regional E-Commerce Strategy and Roadmap, ensuring harmonisation with regional efforts. The Cook Islands E-Commerce Acceleration Work Plan aims to empower government, industry, and consumers to collectively contribute to the success of the e-commerce sector. By fostering consumer trust, enhancing digital skills, and driving innovation, the plan is poised to pave the way for a robust and prosperous e-commerce landscape that benefits emerging industries and all Cook Islanders. To read the Cook Islands E-Commerce Acceleration Work Plan click here. -END- More articles like this one
Bridging the Gender Gap in Agriculture
How Electronic Phytosanitary is Empowering Women in the Pacific The electronic phytosanitary certification system, also known as ePhyto, is a technological innovation that is making a significant contribution to gender equality in trade. This digital platform facilitates the certification of plant and food products by eliminating physical paperwork, reducing processing time, and enabling real-time tracking of certification status. One of the critical ways in which ePhyto supports gender equality is by enabling women to participate more fully in international trade. In many countries, women are traditionally excluded from trade-related activities due to cultural and social barriers. However, ePhyto has made it easier for Pacific women to access and participate in the export market by simplifying the certification process and making it more accessible. ePhyto removes the need for Pacific women to travel to and attend to government offices to complete phytosanitary paperwork each time they export/import. This system reduces time burdens, eliminates need to travel, and allows for online activities to be done at a time convenient to women. This system substantially supports Pacific women in engaging fully in trade. The Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations Plus (PACER Plus) has been a crucial driver of ePhyto’s implementation in the Pacific region. PACER Plus is a unique trade agreement that aims to promote sustainable economic development in the Pacific by improving access to international markets. By supporting the adoption of ePhyto, PACER Plus is assisting member parties to increase their competitiveness in international trade while also promoting gender equality. Since September 2022, PACER Plus Implementation Unit provided training to a total of 123 biosecurity officials and exporters from seven member parties: Cook Islands, Kiribati, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, and Tuvalu. However, plans to involve stakeholders in Vanuatu, the latest Pacific country to ratify the agreement, have been delayed due to Cyclone Judy and Cyclone Kevin that hit the country this month. Out of all the participants who received training, 42 per cent are women. May Schaaf Vi, Manager Operations for Hihifo Foods, attended the PACER Plus ePhyto Training in Nuku’alofa, Tonga. “In my past experiences, the manual phyto certification generally takes a day or two to process. With ePhyto, processing the certificates will almost be instant which would assist us greatly in exporting and importing goods,” said Ms. Vi. ePhyto is a technological innovation that is having a significant impact on promoting gender equality in the Pacific. By simplifying the certification process and eliminating gender-based barriers to trade, ePhyto is enabling more Pacific women to participate in international trade and access new economic opportunities. More articles like this one
PACER Plus releases four-year Strategic Plan
The PACER Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU) today released its inaugural Strategic Plan 2022-2025 which provides the public with the PPIU’s overarching mission and activities. The Strategic Plan was endorsed by the PACER Plus Joint Committee which consists of representatives of the PACER Plus parties. The Strategic Plan was developed on the substantial work undertaken by PACER Plus parties in accordance with PPIU’s foundation documents. Kiribati, which chaired the Joint Committee meeting held virtually on Wednesday 22 June, encouraged the parties to take a collective response in identifying opportunities that will bring significant and sustainable benefits as the region grapples with the ongoing impact of climate change, non-communicable diseases, and COVID-19. “PACER Plus provides us with a unique opportunity and forum to respond collectively. It is also an opportunity to do things differently and to leverage our collective knowledge and expertise to achieve our shared vision of improving the livelihood and welfare of our people,” said Hon Bootii Nauan, Kiribati’s Minister of Commerce, Industry and Cooperative. Roy Lagolago, Head of the PPIU, supported Mr Nauan’s sentiments adding that PPIU will implement the Development and Economic Cooperation Work Programme to achieve the Agreement’s vision. “By delivering the implementation activities as mutually prioritised and determined by the parties, the PPIU will remain directed and clear in our mission and intent to ensure that everyone will benefit from the PACER Plus Agreement,” said Mr Lagolago. Solomon Islands Trade Commissioner Barrett Salato said: “To achieve meaningful benefits from PACER Plus Agreement would require full and effective implementation of the Development and Economic Work Programme. The Strategic Plan 2022-2025 sets the pathway for the full realization of those benefits.” PACER Plus is a regional development-centered trade and investment agreement aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. The Agreement is designed to support Pacific Island countries to stimulate economic growth by becoming more active partners in, and benefit from, regional and global trade. Nine countries are currently parties to the Agreement: Australia, Cook Islands, Kiribati, New Zealand, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, and Tuvalu. This was Tuvalu’s first Joint Committee meeting since ratifying the PACER Plus Agreement in January 2022. “Through PACER Plus, Tuvalu foresees accessing new labour markets in other countries, expanding of our labour seasonal worker scheme, local product mapping, value adding and potential exporting, including necessary storage facilities, equipment and labs for processing and testing of local product prior exportation,” said Loloma Homasi, Assistant Secretary to Tuvalu’s Ministry of Fisheries and Trade. Vanuatu’s parliament recently voted in favour for the ratification of the Bill for the PACER Plus Agreement which will make Vanuatu the 10th country to endorse PACER Plus. Vanuatu’s Department of External Trade director, Joe Pakoa Lui, was present at the PACER Plus Joint Committee meeting. “We’re excited to join the PACER Plus family and to collaborate with the PPIU and the parties to implement activities in Vanuatu that would benefit our people and our communities,” said Mr Lui. “PACER Plus marks an exciting new era for Pacific cooperation in trade and investment which Vanuatu is looking forward to participate in.” To view the PPIU Strategic Plan 2022-2025, please visit pacerplus.org/resources or click on the link below. PACER-Plus-Implementation-Unit-Strategic-Plan-2022-2025 -ENDS- Caption: The PACER Plus Joint Committee Meeting, which consists of representatives of the PACER Plus parties, was held virtually on Wednesday, 22 June 2022. More articles like this one
PPIU partners with SPTO to strengthen capacity building
The Pacific Tourism Organization (SPTO) and Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER) Plus Implementation Unit or the PPIU have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to foster a collaborative partnership that will benefit both organizations and their stakeholders. With its extensive knowledge and experience centred in trade and investment aligning itself to the Sustainable Development Goals, PPIU supports Pacific Island countries to implement activities under the PACER Plus Agreement, stimulating economic growth and sustainable development in the Pacific. Both regional organisations SPTO and PACER Plus will benefit from knowledge sharing and best partnership experiences under the MoU. A key objective of this partnership is that PACER Plus Implementation Unit and SPTO will collaborate to advocate and respond to issues and opportunities that support the development and sustainable growth of the tourism industry in the Pacific. The PACER Plus Implementation Unit will manage and deliver the Development and Economic Cooperation Work Programme that will support Pacific PACER Plus members to strengthen their capacity to benefit from regional trade, economic growth, and sustainable development. Head of the PACER Plus Implementation Unit Mr. Roy Lagolago commended the MoU with SPTO, adding this was an important step in a partnership agreement between two major regional organisations in a time when collaboration and sharing of knowledge was more important than ever. Similarly, SPTO Chief Executive, Mr. Christopher Cocker, emphasized the importance of building partnerships to effectively address common challenges. “We are very excited to work with the PACER Plus Implementation Unit to develop a partnership framework, bringing together our resources and experiences for the benefit of our respective member countries. “To partner and collaborate with an established regional body like the PPIU is crucial particularly when working towards recovery in the tourism industry post the global pandemic. A collaboration with like-minded partners is critical for SPTO and our member countries to drive tourism’s recovery and ensure resilience in the long run”, said Mr. Cocker. -END- Caption: The partnership will respond to issues that support the growth of the tourism industry in the Pacific. (Photo: Samoa Tourism). More articles like this one