Pacific Workers’ Superannuation Talanoa Address Critical Issues
APIA, Samoa – The Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme and the Recognised Seasonal Employers (RSE) program have been instrumental in promoting economic development and fostering regional cooperation among Pacific participant countries. However, an ongoing challenge faced by workers under these schemes relates to superannuation arrangements and the accessibility of funds upon return to their countries of origin. To address this pressing issue and find a comprehensive regional solution, the PACER Plus Implementation Unit initiated the first Regional Virtual Talanoa on Superannuation Arrangements in the RSE and PALM Schemes today. The virtual talanoa was an outcome of the 2022 Pacific Labour Mobility Annual Meeting (PLMAM) and aimed to increase understanding of existing superannuation arrangements, the issues involved and establish a regional way forward to addressing these issues. Key stakeholders from Australia and New Zealand, Pacific PACER Plus Parties and Signatories to the PACER Plus Arrangement on Labour Mobility, as well as representatives from PALM and RSE labour sending countries which are not Parties to the PACER Plus met virtually today for the first Regional Virtual Talanoa on Superannuation Arrangements in the RSE and PALM Schemes. In establishing this regional way forward on superannuation, it was important to ensure an inclusive talanoa that can mutually deliver benefits to both labour sending and labour receiving countries. The talanoa therefore brought together key stakeholders from Australia and New Zealand, Pacific PACER Plus Parties and Signatories to the PACER Plus Arrangement on Labour Mobility, as well as representatives from PALM and RSE labour sending countries which are not Parties to the PACER Plus. Superannuation arrangements differ between Australia and New Zealand, with Australian laws mandating Approved Employers to contribute 11 percent of gross earnings to workers’ superannuation funds. On the other hand, New Zealand’s RSE program does not require employers to make superannuation contributions, but the New Zealand government and RSE employers have looked into other superannuation arrangements for workers. Superannuation funds are additional financial flows that can support Pacific households and communities as well as contribute to economic development in Pacific labour sending countries. These monies are claimed upon workers’ return to their countries and exists as a form of savings additional to their wages. Improving the process for claiming these funds and exploring opportunities for transfers to national provident funds would increase the benefits to workers and their communities. During today’s virtual gathering, participants engaged in candid discussions, exchanged perspectives, and jointly explored feasible solutions that ensure equitable and efficient superannuation arrangements for all workers under the RSE and PALM schemes. The PACER Plus Implementation Unit is committed to fostering stronger cooperation among labour receiving and sending countries and is confident that it is through increased cooperation that arrangements such as for superannuation can be improved so as to increase benefits to the Pacific. -ENDS- More articles like this one
Pacific Trade Strengthened as Regional Workshop Concludes in Honiara
HONIARA, Solomon Islands – The Pacific Regional Advanced Trade in Goods Workshop, a key event aimed at strengthening trade capacity in the Pacific, has successfully concluded. The three-day workshop, held from 12-14 August 2024, was organised through a partnership between the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and the PACER Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU). Mr. Colin Beck (center), Permanent Secretary of Solomon Islands’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade with Mr. Andrew Schloeffel (fifth from left), Australian Deputy High Commissioner to Solomon Islands and government officials from PACER Plus Pacific countries at the Pacific Regional Advanced Trade in Goods Workshop in Honiara, Solomon Islands. The workshop brought together government officials from Cook Islands, Kiribati, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu to deepen their understanding of the rules-based trading system, World Trade Organisation (WTO) structures, agreements, and the challenges and opportunities they present to Pacific Island countries. Participants also explored the intricacies of multilateral and regional trade agreements, including PACER Plus, and their applications within the region. Mr. Colin Beck, Permanent Secretary of Solomon Islands’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade. In his opening remarks, Mr. Colin Beck, Permanent Secretary of Solomon Islands’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, highlighted the significance of PACER Plus supporting customs automation and improvement in biosecurity measures in Solomon Islands. “PACER Plus has the potential to be a powerful tool for our development, but it is crucial that its initiatives are country-initiated and country-led. There is an opportunity to strengthen delivery of PACER Plus initiatives, ensuring it truly meets the needs of our people.” Colin Beck, Permanent Secretary of Solomon Islands’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade Mr. Andrew Schloeffel, Australian Deputy High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, highlighted the role of trade in driving sustainable growth and economic resilience in the Pacific. “Under PACER Plus, all member countries have tariff and quota-free access to Australia. This covers all product lines — 100 percent of products exported enter Australia duty-free. And this commitment will continue irrespective of the development status of each member country.” Andrew Schloeffel, Australian Deputy High Commissioner to Solomon Islands The workshop is part of broader capacity-building efforts for the Pacific region, designed to enhance the understanding of trade-related issues and support the economic integration of Pacific Island countries into the global trading system. -ENDS- More articles like this one
PACER Plus Joint Committee Charts Strategic Path Forward for Pacific Trade and Development
HONIARA, Solomon Islands – The Eighth Meeting of the PACER Plus Joint Committee concluded on Tuesday 6 May 2025 in Honiara, Solomon Islands, bringing together senior government officials from Australia, Cook Islands, Kiribati, New Zealand, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu. Chaired by Ambassador Collin Beck, Permanent Secretary of the Solomon Islands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, the two-day meeting provided a crucial platform for Parties to review progress, reimagine the future of PACER Plus, and strengthen regional economic integration. Senior government officials from the ten PACER Plus Parties gathered in Honiara, Solomon Islands for the Eighth PACER Plus Joint Committee Meeting. Ambassador Beck underscored the significance of PACER Plus in navigating today’s uncertain global trade environment. “PACER Plus was envisioned as a pathway toward deepening economic integration across the Blue Pacific Continent by creating a predictable, rules-based trade environment and unlocking targeted development assistance through the PACER Plus Development and Economic Cooperation (DEC) Work Programme. This meeting was an opportunity to reflect on the past, reimagine the Agreement’s next phase, and ensure it delivers meaningful impact for our people.” Ambassador Collin Beck, Permanent Secretary of the Solomon Islands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade The DEC Work Programme, funded by Australia and New Zealand, is a cornerstone of PACER Plus implementation, designed to support Pacific Island countries in building trade capacity, strengthening industries, and overcoming barriers to economic growth. It provides targeted assistance in areas such as export development, trade facilitation, and skills training, ensuring that Pacific Parties can fully benefit from regional and global trade opportunities. Ms. Natalia Patternot, Director, Department of External Trade with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade in Solomon Islands speaks at the PACER Plus Joint Committee Meeting. The meeting approved high-level strategic priorities for the next DEC Work Programme cycle (2025-2030) commencing the work towards confirming arrangements required for continuation of the DEC Work Programme beyond 2025. Discussions emphasised the need for a sharper focus on export development, value chain strengthening, reducing shipping and logistics costs, and targeted skills development. The meeting also highlighted the importance of private sector engagement, digital trade as a key economic driver, and the alignment of strategic priorities with measurable 2030 targets under the Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning and Adaptation (MELA) Framework. Parties reaffirmed PACER Plus as a vital mechanism for regional economic integration, in line with the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. Expanding membership remains a key priority, with commitments to advocate for new members to join the Agreement. Mr. Alan Armistead, Director of International and Trade Affairs Division with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration Cook Islands speaks at the PACER Plus Joint Committee Meeting. Australia and New Zealand provided updates on the current internal governance reviews required to confirm resourcing for the next DEC Work Programme (2025-2030). Ambassador Beck expressed gratitude on behalf of all Parties: “We deeply appreciate the ongoing commitment of Australia and New Zealand to PACER Plus, both through their current funding and their expressed support for the next phase. Their partnership is instrumental in ensuring Pacific nations can harness trade for sustainable development.” The Joint Committee reaffirmed Parties’ commitment to the rules-based multilateral trading system, with the World Trade Organisation at its core. A joint statement was adopted as follows: “We affirm our commitment to a transparent, non-discriminatory, and open rules-based multilateral trading system which provides certainty and predictability for businesses, builds trust and confidence among consumers, and underpins the growth of international trade and development. In the face of mounting challenges, including disruptions in global supply chains, rising protectionism and climate change, our collective commitment to these principles and the maintenance of trade openness is more crucial than ever,” the statement read. Parties also pledged to uphold a special and differential treatment for Small Island Developing States, ensuring tailored support to safeguard food security, livelihoods, and effective participation in global trade. The outcomes of this meeting will guide the next phase of PACER Plus, ensuring it remains responsive to the needs of the Pacific and delivers tangible benefits for the region. To read the full Eighth PACER Plus Joint Committee Outcome Summary, please click here. -ENDS- More articles like this one
PACER Plus Joint Committee to Convene in Honiara for Critical Talks on Regional Economic Cooperation
HONIARA, Solomon Islands – Senior officials from across the Pacific will gather in Honiara next week for the eighth meeting of the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER) Plus Joint Committee, set to take place on 5-6 May 2025. The meeting will be chaired by Mr. Collin Beck, Permanent Secretary of the Solomon Islands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, and will bring together representatives from Australia, Cook Islands, Kiribati, New Zealand, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu. The two-day meeting will focus on reviewing progress under the PACER Plus agreement, including updates on the implementation of the 2024-2025 annual work plan. The Samoa-based PACER Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU), led by Mr. Roy Lagolago, will provide a detailed report on ongoing activities supporting the treaty’s objectives, particularly under the Development and Economic Cooperation (DEC) Work Programme and the Arrangement on Labour Mobility. Senior officials from across the Pacific will meet in Honiara, Solomon Islands for the two-day PACER Plus Joint Committee Meeting reviewing progress under the PACER Plus agreement, including updates on the implementation of the 2024-2025 annual work plan. Australia and New Zealand have been key partners in supporting PACER Plus, jointly committing AU$25 million in October 2021 to fund the DEC Work Programme, which is managed by the PPIU. This funding, set to conclude in December 2025, has been instrumental in strengthening regional trade integration and addressing the unique development challenges faced by Pacific Island nations. Discussions at the meeting will include the potential extension of the DEC Work Programme to ensure continued progress. “PACER Plus is more than a trade agreement — it’s a commitment to sustainable development and shared prosperity across the Pacific. This meeting is an opportunity to assess our achievements, address challenges, and plan for the future, ensuring that the benefits of regional economic integration reach all our communities.” Roy Lagolago, Head of the PPIU PACER Plus was designed with a strong emphasis on supporting the Pacific Parties’ participation in international trade while addressing their distinct vulnerabilities and capacity constraints. The agreement recognises the critical role of regional cooperation in fostering long-term socio-economic development. The outcomes of the Joint Committee meeting will help shape the next phase of PACER Plus implementation, reinforcing its role as a cornerstone of Pacific economic resilience and integration. -ENDS- More articles like this one
Customs officers upskill to improve cross border e-commerce
NADI, Fiji – Customs officials from 16 Pacific countries are gathering in Nadi, Fiji this week for a five-day workshop (17-21 March) to understand the World Customs Organisation (WCO) tools and initiatives aimed at facilitating and securing cross-border e-commerce. The workshop, co-hosted by the Oceania Customs Organisation (OCO) and the PACER Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU), brings together 25 participants from American Samoa, Australia, Cook Islands, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Northern Marianas, Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Niue, Nauru, Samoa, Solomon Islands, New Caledonia, Guam, Tonga and Tuvalu. Experts from Japan Customs are also co-facilitating the sessions. Customs officials from 16 Pacific countries are Fiji this week for a five-day workshop to understand the WCO tools and initiatives aimed at facilitating and securing cross-border e-commerce. “This workshop directly supports our mission to enhance economic integration and sustainable development in the Pacific through PACER Plus. While customs administrations address the regulatory aspects, PACER Plus is also focused on helping Parties to enhance legislative framework on ecommerce and support Pacific businesses seize the opportunities of digital trade. We are helping customs officers understand both sides of e-commerce thereby creating pathways for Pacific products to reach global markets while maintaining appropriate safeguards.” Roy Lagolago, Head of the PPIU E-commerce in the Pacific has grown by over fifty per cent since 2020, with around thirty per cent of Pacific Islanders now regularly shopping online, according to the Pacific E-commerce Assessment Report and the Pacific Regional E-commerce Strategy and Roadmap. A 2024 OCO Gap Analysis, supported by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and funded by the European Union, showed that small parcel shipments to the region have increased by over 200 per cent in the past three years. Approximately 85 per cent of these packages are valued under US$100, posing challenges for customs administrations. Some major ports now process up to 5,000 small e-commerce parcels daily, as per WCO regional data. “As customs officials, our primary concern is implementing international standards that facilitate legitimate trade while protecting our borders. This workshop focuses on the eight guiding principles of the WCO Framework of Standards for Cross-Border E-Commerce, which provides our members with a harmonised approach to this growing trade channel.” Nancy T. Oraka, Head of Secretariat for OCO Participants visited the DHL facility in Nadi gaining a better understanding of e-commerce logistics and the partnership between customs and private sector players. This is the first regional workshop focused on building capacity for implementing the WCO Framework of Standards for Cross-Border E-Commerce in the Pacific context. Both PPIU and OCO are one of the implementing agencies of the Pacific Regional E-Commerce Strategy and Roadmap, under Priority Area Three on Trade Logistics and Trade Facilitation. Participants explored advanced processing systems to manage the surge in small consignments and targeted risk assessment methods to identify potentially dangerous or illegal shipments while ensuring the smooth flow of legitimate goods. They also examined strategies for applying effective, efficient, scalable and flexible revenue collection models for low-value imports, tailored to national circumstances – a key challenge for Pacific nations. The workshop featured insights from key stakeholders, including the WCO, Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, UNCTAD, DHL Express, and Siuhuu Online Marketplace, highlighting the importance of public-private collaboration in cross-border e-commerce. Participants also visited the DHL facility in Nadi gaining a better understanding of e-commerce logistics and the partnership between customs and private sector players. Drawing from their experiences and challenges, participants will develop national and regional action plans to guide OCO members in their implementation of international standards for cross-border e-commerce. “The knowledge and strategies developed during this workshop will strengthen not just individual administration but our collective regional approach to e-commerce,” added Ms. Oraka. “As our digital economy continues to grow, customs administrations must evolve to facilitate legitimate trade while addressing emerging risks.” -ENDS- More articles like this one
PACER Plus Talanoa Concludes with Commitments to Strengthen Pacific Economies
APIA, Samoa – The Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER) Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU) hosted the second Revenue Mobilisation Talanoa for PACER Plus Signatories this week in Apia, Samoa. The Talanoa brought together senior officials from customs, tax administrations, and finance ministries across the Pacific to address the challenges and opportunities of revenue mobilisation in the context of trade liberalisation under PACER Plus. Representatives from the Cook Islands, Kiribati, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Nauru attended the four-day event, which ran from 25-28 February 2025. Representatives from the Cook Islands, Kiribati, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Nauru attended the four-day Talanoa, which ran from 25-28 February 2025. The Talanoa, which follows the inaugural Revenue Mobilisation Talanoa held in Nadi, Fiji, in February 2024, focused on improving indirect revenue mobilisation through efficient taxation, broadening the tax base, and closing the tax gap. Participants explored short-term actions and long-term structural reforms needed to enhance revenue administration and collection. Mr. Alipate Tavo, Trade Adviser at PPIU and moderator of the workshop, highlighted the importance of the Talanoa in addressing the region’s unique challenges. “The PACER Plus Agreement has brought economic opportunities to the Pacific, but it has also highlighted the need for robust revenue mobilisation strategies. This Talanoa has been a critical platform for sharing experiences, identifying best practices, and developing actionable plans to ensure that our countries can adapt to the changing economic landscape while maintaining fiscal stability.” Mr. Alipate Tavo For Samoa, where customs duties account for a significant portion of government revenue, the stakes are particularly high. Mr. Magotaamu Salanoa, the Principal Customs Officer-Trade with Samoa’s Ministry of Customs and Revenue, stressed the importance of collaboration and knowledge-sharing. “Samoa, like many Pacific countries, relies on customs duties for revenue. The discussions here have been invaluable in helping us identify practical solutions to mitigate revenue losses while exploring new opportunities to diversify our tax base. The insights gained from this Talanoa will guide our efforts to strengthen Samoa’s economic resilience.” Mr. Magotaamu Salanoa Ms. Pipiena Tanaki, the Deputy CEO of Tonga’s Ministry of Revenue and Customs. Ms. Pipiena Tanaki, the Deputy CEO of Tonga’s Ministry of Revenue and Customs, shared her perspective on the role of technology in improving revenue collection. “Modernising our customs systems and leveraging technology is important for improving efficiency and accuracy in revenue collection. This workshop has reinforced the importance of investment in capacity building and digital solutions to address the administrative gaps in our tax systems.” Ms. Pipiena Tanaki The workshop featured sessions on key topics such as the role of customs administrations in collecting Value Added Tax (VAT) and Goods and Services Tax (GST), the impact of trade liberalisation on revenue, and strategies for optimising revenue through tax policies. Understanding the impacts of tax expenditures on revenue collection and good tax administration practice to improve revenue collection were also covered. Additionally, participants discussed the challenges of cross-border e-commerce, valuation issues, and the need for regional cooperation to address complex revenue mobilisation challenges. The Revenue Mobilisation Talanoa has been organised in collaboration with the Pacific Financial Technical Assistance Center, the Pacific Islands Tax Administration Association, the Oceania Customs Organisation, and the International Monetary Fund. “As we implement PACER Plus, our customs administrations must evolve to meet new revenue collection challenges. This Talanoa provides a vital platform for Pacific customs agencies to share practical solutions and strengthen our regional approach to revenue mobilisation while facilitating trade modernisation.” Ms. Nancy Oraka, Head of the Oceania Customs Organisation (OCO). The Revenue Mobilisation Talanoa has been organised in collaboration with the Pacific Financial Technical Assistance Center, the Pacific Islands Tax Administration Association, the OCO, and the International Monetary Fund. The workshop’s outcomes will contribute to the development of a comprehensive roadmap for revenue mobilisation across the Pacific, ensuring that PACER Plus signatories can continue to fund essential services while promoting economic growth. The Talanoa, which concluded today (28 February), provided an opportunity to explore revenue mobilisation in the context of the impacts of PACER Plus but the need for revenue to fund the social and economic needs of countries is ever present. -END- More articles like this one
Solomon Islands Begins Preparations for PLMAM 2025
HONIARA, Solomon Islands – The preeminent regional forum for labour mobility, the Pacific Labour Mobility Annual Meeting (PLMAM) will be held in Honiara, Solomon Islands in November 2025. This week, the PACER Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU) is in Honiara to begin preparations for PLMAM 2025 in collaboration with the Government of the Solomon Islands. The Deputy Secretary for the Solomon Islands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Mr. Hickson George expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming meeting. (L-R) Director Christina Marau, Dr Alisi Kautoke Holani, Deputy Secretary Hickson George, Mr. Alistair Molioo, and Mr. Patrick Kaka. “Labour mobility is a development priority for the government of the Solomon Islands and we are very excited to welcome labour mobility stakeholders from across the region to our shores this November,” said Mr. George. “Solomon Islands was one of the late comers to labour mobility, having only joined the Pacific labour mobility schemes to Australia in 2019. However, in a very short time it has grown tremendously as a labour sending country and we are excited to be sharing some of the best practices that we have adopted and also to learn from our other neighbouring Pacific islands and partners.” The discussions this week will consider the dates and key issues to be deliberated during PLMAM 2025 and how the forum can improve in fostering regional labour mobility cooperation. Dr. Alisi Kautoke Holani, PPIU’s Labour Mobility Specialist, emphasised the importance of collaborative efforts. “Labour mobility has proven to be a transformative driver of socio-economic development in the region, but it is not without its challenges. The PLMAM serves as the leading regional platform to address these challenges and promote mutual benefits by sharing best practices, exploring innovative solutions and strengthening effective partnerships across all Pacific labour mobility stakeholders,” said Dr. Holani. The PPIU, in its role as the Labour Mobility Secretariat, is also the Secretariat to the PLMAM and will be supporting the government of Solomon Islands as it prepares to host the annual meeting in November. Details on PLMAM 2025 will be later released through the PACER Plus website. -ENDS- More articles like this one
PPIU Contributes to CHOGM 2024 in Samoa
The PACER Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU) played a role in promoting trade and economic growth across the Pacific at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2024, held in Apia, Samoa from 21-26 October. Mr. Roy Lagolago, Head of the PPIU, spoke at the Commonwealth Business Forum, a CHOGM side event, delivering insights on the theme of “Reducing Barriers to Trade”. His address emphasised PACER Plus’s contributions to fostering sustainable economic growth, increasing trade opportunities, and empowering Pacific businesses to thrive in a competitive global market. Mr. Roy Lagolago, Head of the PPIU, meeting His Majesty King Charles III, the King of the United Kingdom and Head of the Commonwealth. This year’s Commonwealth Business Forum focused on the theme “One Resilient Common Future: Transforming Our Common Wealth,” exploring key pillars such as access to finance, technological innovation, sustainability, and workforce transformation. Mr. Lagolago highlighted how PACER Plus is helping Pacific Island nations navigate these critical areas by providing the tools needed to overcome trade barriers, enhance market access, and promote sustainable development. In addition to his speech at the forum, Mr. Lagolago participated in several high-profile events on the margins of CHOGM 2024. One of these was the unveiling of the Commonwealth Investment Action Plan–a major initiative aimed at increasing trade and investment among Commonwealth nations. The plan is particularly focused on helping small and vulnerable states attract investment and meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. It complements other Commonwealth initiatives, including the Commonwealth Blue Charter and the Climate Finance Access Hub, which are essential to addressing climate change and fostering resilience across member states. The PPIU was honoured to host bilateral discussions for Mr. Anthony Albanese (third from left), the Australian Prime Minister and other Commonwealth nations at our office in Apia, Samoa during the CHOGM 2024. Mr. Lagolago also attended the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council and Sustainable Markets Initiatives CEO-Leaders Event, where he met His Majesty King Charles III. These discussions highlighted the importance of collaboration between the private sector and governments in addressing global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity, and inequality, while advancing the development aspirations of Commonwealth member states. More articles like this one
First in-person PACER Plus Ministerial Meeting Convened in Brisbane
BRISBANE, Australia – The Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER) Plus Ministerial Meeting was held yesterday, Friday 15 November, in Brisbane, Australia, marking the first in-person gathering of Ministers since the PACER Plus Agreement entered into force in December 2020. The meeting was chaired by the Hon. Leota Laki Lamositele, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Labour of Samoa, and brought together Ministers and senior officials from Australia, Cook Islands, Kiribati, New Zealand, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu. The Ministers discussed the future of trade and investment under the Agreement, which came into effect during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Samoa’s Minister of Finance, Hon. Lautimuia Uelese Vaai (right), at the PACER Plus Ministerial Meeting in Brisbane, Australia. Reflecting on the journey since the Agreement’s first meeting in February 2020, Ministers reaffirmed the foundational importance of PACER Plus in strengthening economic partnerships, fostering sustainable development, and promoting regional economic integration. PACER Plus, which emerged during unprecedented global health and economic challenges, has proven instrumental in supporting Pacific nations’ resilience and recovery through trade liberalisation and capacity building. “The contributions of the PACER Plus Development and Economic Cooperation (DEC) Work Programme have been critical in advancing trade facilitation across our region. The capacity building initiatives aimed at equipping our officials and local enterprises with the tools to navigate the global trade environment have provided substantial benefits. Through PACER Plus, we have managed to alleviate some of the pandemic’s adverse impacts, particularly by providing support to sectors, such as hospitality, that were significantly affected during those challenging times.” Hon. Lautimuia Uelese Vaai, Samoa’s Minister of Finance Australia’s Assistant Minister for Trade and Manufacturing, Hon. Tim Ayres, highlighted the significance of the Agreement: “PACER Plus is not a traditional Free Trade Agreement. It is a facilitative Agreement that makes the region stronger together. Australia is ambitious for the region and rightly so – we recognise our role in supporting ambitions for regional economic prosperity. PACER Plus is an important framework for this, bringing our governments together to make good decisions collectively.” The Ministers acknowledged the work of the PACER Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU) in supporting the Parties to implement the Agreement. Australia’s Assistant Minister for Trade and Manufacturing, Hon. Tim Ayres (left), at the PACER Plus Ministerial Meeting 2024 in Brisbane, Australia. The Ministers also acknowledged the importance of the DEC Work Programme, which has provided vital support to Pacific countries, improving trade capacity and strengthening regional cooperation. They commended the strong engagement by PACER Plus Parties, who have leveraged the DEC Work Programme to boost their trade capabilities and build a more robust enabling environment for businesses. Recognising the role of the private sector as the key driver of trade, PACER Plus Ministers and their representatives called for intensified efforts to support private sector development. They tasked the PPIU with accelerating the implementation of the DEC Work Programme and refining its approach to private sector engagement. The PACER Plus Ministerial Meeting was held today in Brisbane, Australia, marking the first in-person gathering of Ministers since the PACER Plus Agreement entered into force in December 2020. Ministers expressed their in-principle support for renewing the Implementing Arrangement for Development and Economic Cooperation under PACER Plus for another five years beyond December 2025, calling for reforms to ensure its continued effectiveness in addressing the unique needs of Pacific Island economies. The meeting was also attended by Nauru, a PACER Plus signatory, and the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat who participated as observers. To read the full 2024 PACER Plus Ministerial Meeting Communique, please click here. -ENDS- More articles like this one
Australia Hosts Pacific Labour Mobility Annual Meeting 2024: Focus on Resilience and Regional Cooperation
BRISBANE, Australia – The Government of Australia will host the 2024 Pacific Labour Mobility Annual Meeting (PLMAM) from 11-14 November in Brisbane, Australia. The event, held under the PACER Plus Arrangement on Labour Mobility, serves as the Pacific region’s premier platform for discussing labour mobility issues and fostering collaboration among key stakeholders. The annual meeting is expected to bring together almost 400 participants, including government officials, workers, employers, private sector representatives, unions, civil society organisations, academics, and regional institutions. The central theme for PLMAM 2024, “Collectively Building Resilience”, highlights the importance of regional cooperation to strengthen labour mobility frameworks in the face of evolving challenges. The annual meeting is expected to bring together almost 400 participants, including government officials, workers, employers, private sector representatives, unions, civil society organisations, academics, and regional institutions. Mr. Roy Lagolago, Head of the PACER Plus Implementation Unit and Labour Mobility Secretariat, spoke on the transformation of Pacific labour mobility over the years. “Pacific labour mobility has evolved significantly since the inception of the New Zealand Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme in 2007 and the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme in 2012 under its predecessor, the Seasonal Worker Programme. This evolution has been prompted by a number of different factors, including the changing socio-economic structures of the region, the COVID pandemic, and climate change, to name a few. In this rapidly changing era, the challenge for the Pacific is to continuously build resilience, and we recognize that successfully building resilience requires a cooperative effort by all involved,” said Mr. Lagolago. Over four days, the PLMAM 2024 programme will feature discussions on how Pacific labour mobility stakeholders can work collaboratively to build the resilience of labour mobility, with a focus on ensuring mutual benefits for workers, employers, and economies across the region. This includes addressing key issues such as worker wellbeing, skills development, and social security. PLMAM 2024 will provide an opportunity for stakeholders to engage in policy discussions, share best practices, and develop tangible measures to ensure the resilience of labour mobility schemes amid shifting socio-economic and environmental landscapes. For more details on PLMAM 2024, please click HERE. ENDS More articles like this one