PACER Plus Regional Workshop on harnessing Pacific labour for sustainable economic development in the Pacific
APIA, Samoa – The Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations Plus (PACER Plus) Implementation Unit is set to host a regional workshop on Movement of Natural Persons and Labour Mobility in Apia, Samoa, from 11-14 September 2023. The “PACER Plus Regional Workshop on Movement of Natural Persons and Labour Mobility” aims to enhance understanding and explore the interconnections between Trade in Services and the Arrangement on Labour Mobility to maximise development benefits for PACER Plus parties. Experts, policymakers, and stakeholders from Australia, Cook Islands, Kiribati, Nauru, New Zealand, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu met at the PACER Plus Implementation Unit in Apia, Samoa today for the four-day regional workshop. PACER Plus, a unique development-centered trade agreement, acknowledges the significance of human capital movement in fostering economic integration and sustainable development. The Movement of Natural Persons (MNP) Chapter of the agreement specifically focuses on facilitating the movement of service providers to promote services trade while excluding measures related to citizenship, residence, permanent employment, or access to foreign employment markets. The Arrangement on Labour Mobility (ALM) is a non-legally binding annex to the Agreement, which provides a framework for regional labour mobility cooperation to foster increased development benefits for participating countries. “PACER Plus recognises the potential of human capital mobility to drive regional development,” states Roy Lagolago, Head of the PACER Plus Implementation Unit. “This workshop provides a unique platform to address knowledge gaps and foster cooperation among PACER Plus parties in the realms of MNP and labour mobility, setting the stage for a more robust and interconnected regional trade ecosystem.” The objectives of the PACER Plus Regional Workshop on Movement of Natural Persons and Labour Mobility are as follows: Capacity building for government officials: Offer a focused capacity building programme for Pacific trade and labour mobility officials on the PACER Plus Movement of Natural Persons Chapter and Arrangement on Labour Mobility to understand how these components can be better utilised to support sustainable economic development in their countries. National Consultations for the Review of the Arrangement on Labour Mobility: Facilitate national consultations to gather valuable input for the ALM Review. The workshop promises to be a pivotal event in the ongoing efforts to maximise the benefits of PACER Plus for the Pacific. It will bring together experts, policymakers, and stakeholders from Australia, Cook Islands, Kiribati, Nauru, New Zealand, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu, to foster a deeper understanding of the movement of natural persons and labour mobility, ultimately contributing to the region’s economic growth and sustainable development. For more information on the four-day workshop, please click here. -END- More articles like this one
Workshop Strengthens Regional Customs Administrations
APIA, Samoa – Today marks the commencement of the Regional Workshop on Harmonised System (HS) in Apia, Samoa. The workshop, jointly organised by the PACER Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU) and the Oceania Customs Organisation (OCO) under the European Union funded Improving Pacific Islands Customs and Trade project implemented in partnership with United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, will run from 21-25 August 2023. The five-day event aims to support Pacific countries in successfully implementing the Harmonised System Nomenclature 2022, the world’s global standard for classifying goods in international trade. Customs administrators and stakeholders from the Pacific met at the PACER Plus Implementation Unit in Apia, Samoa, for the five-day Regional Workshop on Harmonised System. The HS Nomenclature 2022 brought about 351 sets of amendments, posing significant challenges to customs administrations in the Pacific. Only a limited number of Pacific countries, including Fiji, French Polynesia, Nauru, New Caledonia, Niue, the Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and Wallis and Futuna, have successfully implemented HS 2022 to date. This highlights the need for further assistance in the transposition of HS 2022 to retain historical concessions and ensure market access conditions remain unaffected by technical revisions to scheduled tariff commitments. Mr. Roy Lagolago, Head of the PPIU, stated, “The complexity and scale of the HS amendments have presented technical and time-consuming challenges for our members. This workshop is a crucial step in assisting Pacific countries to complete the HS 2022 transposition work by December 2023. It will enable us to enhance the uniformity in the interpretation and application of the HS Nomenclature 2022, fostering greater regional trade facilitation.” The workshop’s main objectives include providing an overview of the Harmonised System, HS 2022 Amendments, and the Pacific Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System (PACHS 22) work. It will also facilitate discussions among members to share progress and experiences in implementing HS 2022 amendments and resolving outstanding issues that may hinder the process. Additionally, technical discussions and reviews will focus on the transposition of PACER Plus Tariff Schedules from HS 2012 to HS 2017. Moreover, the workshop will also raise awareness on the interim Economic Partnership Agreement and its requirements. Mr. John Sam (right), OCO’s Trade and Revenue Management Advisor, greets Mrs. Gianina Harris, Nauru Customs Officer, at the Regional Harmonised System Workshop in Apia, Samoa. Ms. Nancy Oraka, Head of OCO, emphasized, “Collaboration and capacity-building are essential in navigating the complexities of the HS amendments. By working together, we can enhance the efficiency and transparency of customs administrations in the region, ultimately benefiting businesses and consumers alike.” Attending the five-day workshop are customs administrators and stakeholders from the Cook Islands, Fiji, Guam, Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, the Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu. The Regional Workshop on Harmonised System marks a significant step forward in promoting regional economic cooperation and fostering sustainable development in the Pacific. By overcoming challenges and enhancing customs practices, the workshop seeks to create a conducive environment for trade in the region. -END- More articles like this one
Pacific Trade Officials Convene for Trade in Goods Course
Regional trade officials at the Pacific Regional Introductory Trade in Goods Course in Suva, Fiji. Photo: Fiji Government Regional trade officials at the Pacific Regional Introductory Trade in Goods Course in Suva, Fiji. Photo: Fiji Government The five-day capacity-building event, funded by the Australian Government and organised by the University of Adelaide’s Institute for International Trade in collaboration with Fiji’s Ministry for Trade, Cooperatives, Small and Medium Enterprises, and Communication, aims to empower Pacific trade officials with the necessary skills and knowledge to enhance trade relations within the region and beyond. The Course was opened by Hon. Mr. Manoa Kamikamica, Fiji’s Minister for Trade, Cooperatives, Small and Medium Enterprises, and Communications, highlighting the importance of such capacity-building efforts. “Together, we have the opportunity to leverage this training to bolster our collective efforts in regional and multilateral forums, shaping discussions, and advocating for the interests of our region on the international stage. I am confident that the knowledge and skills gained here will empower you all to navigate the complexities of global trade and create lasting positive impacts for our respective economies,” said Hon. Kamikamica. The Pacific Regional Introductory Trade in Goods Course’s primary objective is to provide a refresher on the current state of play in regional and international trade relations. This includes updating technical knowledge of Pacific regional trade agreements and international rules-based trading systems such as the World Trade Organisation. Participation in the course is part of the PPIU’s overall aim to develop Parties to build their trade capacities and allow them to effectively implement their obligations under the multilateral arrangements and regional trade agreements including PACER Plus. -END- More articles like this one
PACER Plus Ministers Meeting: Advancing Regional Economic Integration and Membership Expansion
APIA, Samoa – The Ministerial representatives of the Parties to the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations Plus (PACER Plus) convened virtually on 26 July 2023 under the chairmanship of Hon. Crossley Tatui, Minister for Infrastructure and Finance for Niue. The meeting saw government ministers and representatives from the 10 PACER Plus Parties – Australia, Cook Islands, Kiribati, New Zealand, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, and Vanuatu – along with representatives from the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat. Regrettably, Tuvalu conveyed their apologies as they were unable to attend. Ministers and officials from PACER Plus parties at the PACER Plus Ministers Meeting. Ministers took note of the significant achievements and progress made by the PACER Plus Implementation Unit and Labour Mobility Secretariat in delivering the annual work programme for FY2022-2023. Recognising the importance of supporting Pacific private sector businesses and enhancing their participation in regional and international trade, Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to realising the benefits of PACER Plus. The principles of inclusion, mutually agreed priorities, complementarity with existing regional activities, value for money, and timely support for economic recovery remained central to their approach. Expanding the members of PACER Plus was acknowledged as a valuable step towards enhancing regional economic integration. The Ministers emphasized that this expansion would foster more efficient and cost-effective supply chains, open up access to intra-regional and international markets, and attract foreign investment while boosting the positive impact of labour mobility. With keen interest from Nauru and other Forum Island Countries in ratifying the PACER Plus, the Ministers tasked the PACER Plus Implementation Unit and Labour Mobility Secretariat to actively engage these countries and facilitate their accession. The Ministers also highlighted the importance of addressing trade, investment, and labour mobility issues through streamlined regional activities that benefit all parties involved. Recognising the limitations in human resources and technical capacity within both public and private sectors, as well as the constraints in economic infrastructure and supply chain robustness, they underscored the need for coordinated efforts to implement reforms and capitalise on opportunities. Regarding labour mobility, the Ministers lauded the progress in the delivery of the labour mobility work program for Financial Year 2022-2023 and endorsed the activity plan for Financial Year 2023-2024. They acknowledged that these initiatives contributed directly to the development of a regional and holistic labour mobility policy and explored new opportunities for Pacific labour receiving countries. Emphasizing the value of the Pacific Labour Mobility Annual Meeting (PLMAM) in facilitating effective regional cooperation, the Ministers committed to supporting the implementation of agreed regional initiatives. Additionally, the Government of the United Kingdom’s offer to provide technical expertise to support the implementation of the Development and Economic Work Programme was acknowledged with appreciation. The Chair of the PACER Plus Ministers Meeting, Hon. Crossley Tatui, stated: “The PACER Plus agreement remains crucial for our region’s economic growth and prosperity. By working together and coordinating our efforts, we can harness the full potential of PACER Plus to enhance trade, investment, and labour mobility, ultimately improving the lives of our people across the Pacific.” The Ministers’ commitment to realising the benefits of PACER Plus and advancing regional economic integration promises a brighter future for the Pacific, fostering sustainable socio-economic development and resilience against global challenges. -END- More articles like this one
Enhancing Pacific Labour Mobility: Pacific-Australia-New Zealand Visa Pathways Study
APIA, Samoa –The PACER Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU) has recently concluded a comprehensive study to identify alternative visa pathways that can facilitate the movement of semi-skilled and skilled Pacific workers to Australia and New Zealand. The PACER Plus Agreement recognises the importance of the movement of people to regional economic integration and sustainable development in the Pacific. The Movement of Natural Persons (MNP) Chapter covers the movement of semi-skilled and skilled service providers to facilitate services trade, and the Arrangement on Labour Mobility (ALM), a non-legally binding annex to the PACER Plus Agreement. The ALM provides a framework for regional cooperation to facilitate the movement of Pacific workers to the territories of other participating countries for temporary employment. Currently, the predominant modality for Pacific labour mobility to Australia and New Zealand is the New Zealand Recognised Employer (RSE) and the Australian Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) schemes. These schemes are largely focused on low-skilled employment in the Australian and New Zealand horticulture and meat works industries. Pacific countries are also interested in understanding alternative business and temporary employment pathways that can increase development outcomes for their countries. For this reason, the PPIU commissioned the study to capture information on eligibility conditions, verify potential opportunities, understand access constraints, and propose solutions to increase utilisation of these visa pathways by Pacific workers and businesses. For Australia, the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) (subclass 482) visa is the leading temporary work visa. From 2011-12 to 2021-22, only 1,848 TSS workers came from the Pacific, which is exceptionally low in comparison with the top countries for the TSS. The vast majority of the Pacific workers entering Australia on the TSS visa have been from Fiji and Papua New Guinea (PNG), with over 800 visas granted to workers from each country. The top sponsoring industries for Pacific workers on the TSS were ‘Mining’, ‘Other Services’, ‘Professional, Scientific and Technical’, ‘Health Care and Social Assistance’, ‘Manufacturing’, and ‘Retail Trade’. There has been a reduction in the overall use of this visa by Pacific workers over time. Australia Business Visitor visas granted to people from Pacific countries from 2012-13 to 2022-23 (to 31 March). Similarly, the primary temporary worker visa for New Zealand is the Accredited Employer Worker Visa (AEWV) and its predecessor visas that the AEWV subsumed in 2022. From 2013 to 2022, 22,803 workers from Pacific countries were granted an AEWV or one of its predecessor visas. This usage is exceptionally higher than the usage of the Australian TSS visa by Pacific workers and has increased over time, but this difference is driven by the use of AEWV by Fijian citizens, who make up 83.9 per cent of visa holders. The most common occupations taken up by Pacific AEWV visa holders were ‘Road and Rail Drivers’, ‘Automotive and Engineering Trades Workers’, ‘Farm, Forestry and Garden Workers’, ‘Construction Trades Workers’, and ‘Carers and Aides’. In addition to temporary work visas, Pacific businesspeople can temporarily travel to Australia and New Zealand for limited business purposes on business visas. Between 2012-13 and 2022-23 (until 31 March), Australia granted 72,404 business visitor visas to people from the Pacific. Businesspeople from PNG and Fiji have made the most use of this visa, with 28,474 and 18,352 visits respectively. For New Zealand, 18,378 business visas were issued to Pacific businesspeople between 2013 and 2022. While Pacific business visitors to NZ are significantly lower than Australia, business visitors to New Zealand have been relatively consistent up until 2020. Similar to Australia, most of these visitors came from Fiji (9,684 visits) and PNG (3,033 visits). The study identified that the constraints currently limiting Pacific access to the temporary employment and business visitor visas cover both systemic constraints and visa-specific constraints. A number of recommendations were provided to address these constraints. To read the full report titled “Mapping of Visa Pathways for Mode 4 and Semi-Skilled/Skilled Labour Mobility to Australia and New Zealand”, please refer to www.pacerplus.org or click here. -END- More articles like this one
PACER Plus Regional ePhyto Project Empowers Agricultural Trade in the Pacific
APIA, Samoa – The Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations Plus (PACER Plus) hosted a Regional ePhyto Webinar on Thursday, 15 June 2023, bringing together key stakeholders from across the Pacific to explore the potential of electronic phytosanitary certification in improving facilitation of agricultural trade. The virtual event marked a significant milestone in advancing digital solutions for trade facilitation and bolstering economic growth in the region – at the completion of the first year of the ePhyto Capability Project. The PACER Plus Regional ePhyto Webinar was attended by Pacific government officials, regional partners, and industry stakeholders. The PACER Plus Regional ePhyto Webinar was attended by government officials, industry representatives, and experts in phytosanitary systems. Mr Peter Neimanis, the PACER Plus ePhyto Consultant, provided a presentation on the benefits and challenges of adopting electronic phytosanitary certification, sharing best practices, and exploring strategies for effective implementation. Mr Neimanis highlighted the transformative potential of ePhyto in streamlining trade processes and ensuring the safety and quality of agricultural products. “The PACER Plus ePhyto Webinar represents a significant step forward in enhancing trade efficiency and sustainability in the Pacific. By digitizing phytosanitary certification, we can reduce paperwork, improve accuracy, and expedite the flow of goods, ultimately benefiting both exporters, importers, and government agencies,” he said. The webinar also showcased successful ePhyto implementation updates from Cook Islands, Kiribati, Solomon Islands, and Tonga, underscoring the positive impact of electronic certification on trade facilitation. ePhyto will enhance trade efficiency and sustainability in the Pacific, said Mr Peter Neimanis (left). PACER Plus is a regional development-centered trade and investment agreement aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. The agreement is designed to support Pacific countries to stimulate economic growth by becoming more active partners in, and benefit from, regional and global trade. Ten countries are currently parties to the agreement: Australia, Cook Islands, Kiribati, New Zealand, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu. -END- More articles like this one
PACER Plus Joint Committee Meeting Concludes in Niue
ALOFI, Niue – The PACER Plus Joint Committee Meeting concluded today, marking a significant milestone for regional cooperation in the Pacific. The three-day meeting brought together officials from the ten countries participating in the PACER Plus, enabling them to meet face-to-face for the first time since entry into force of the Agreement due to the COVID-19 border closures. Government representatives from the 10 PACER Plus parties met in Niue for the 6th PACER Plus Joint Committee Meeting. The Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations Plus or PACER Plus is a regional trade and development agreement between 10 countries: Australia, Cook Islands, Kiribati, New Zealand, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu. The agreement aims to enhance economic cooperation, expand regional trade, and promote sustainable development across the Pacific. The three-day PACER Plus Joint Committee Meeting provided an opportunity for delegates to engage in fruitful talanoa and address issues impacting the implementation of the PACER Plus. The officials deliberated on various topics, including trade in goods, trade in services, investment, labour mobility, and measures to increase the value and long-term impact of the PACER Plus Agreement and Arrangement on Labour Mobility. Some of the key outcomes from the PACER Plus Joint Committee Meeting included adoption of the Annual Plan for the Financial Year 2023-2024, endorsement of the General Review process for the Agreement and endorsement of the PACER Plus Monitoring and Evaluation, Learning and Adaptation (MELA) Framework and Gender Equality and Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) Strategy. Delegate at the PACER Plus Joint Committee Meeting in Niue. Ms. Doreen Siataga, the Niue Secretary for Finance and Chair of the 6th PACER Plus Joint Committee meeting, highlighted the significance of the event. She stated, “Niue is pleased to have hosted the PACER Plus Joint Committee Meeting, a gathering that signifies the unwavering commitment of the region towards economic growth and sustainable development for our communities.” -END- More articles like this one
PACER Plus and PTI New Zealand partnership to boost investment and economic growth in the Pacific
Pacific Trade Invest New Zealand (PTI NZ) in collaboration with the PACER Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU) is delighted to announce the launch of the Investment Readiness Programme aimed at stimulating economic growth and creating investment opportunities in the Pacific. The programme will develop a robust pipeline of up to 15 investable projects within the eight Pacific parties of PACER Plus, including Cook Islands, Niue, Kiribati, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu. The primary objective of the Investment Readiness Programme is to support selected small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Pacific by assisting them in developing investment proposals. These proposals will be utilised by PTI NZ to facilitate connections between foreign investors and developers, fostering mutually beneficial partnerships and driving sustainable economic development. The Investment Readiness Programme will adopt a sector-agnostic approach, focusing on key industries such as agriculture, renewable energy, manufacturing, fisheries, and tech/innovation. By taking this approach, the programme aims to leverage the diverse strengths and capabilities of Pacific SMEs, highlighting the region’s potential to global investors. Ms Glynis Miller (left), PTI NZ Trade Commissioner with Mr Alipate Tavo, PPIU Trade and Investment Adviser. A core principle of the Investment Readiness Programme is its commitment to promoting and supporting women-owned or led businesses. Through active engagement and dedicated resources, the programme will empower women entrepreneurs, providing them with the necessary tools and opportunities to thrive in their respective industries. Furthermore, the programme will actively promote these women-owned businesses to the impact investment community in New Zealand and abroad, recognising the significant contributions they make to the Pacific economy. Ms Glynis Miller, PTI NZ Trade Commissioner, says: “Pacific Trade Invest New Zealand is committed to assisting Pacific parties of PACER Plus expand their investment opportunities and bring global attention to the many high-value projects in the Blue Pacific. The programme offers a vital practical step for SMEs seeking equity and growth, and wanting to assess their potential firstly for investment, then for business and export development.” Mr Roy Lagolago, Head of PPIU, expressed his enthusiasm for the programme, emphasizing its value in driving economic transformation and attracting foreign investments in the Pacific. “The Investment Readiness Programme represents a tremendous opportunity for the Pacific. By nurturing and showcasing the potential of our SMEs, we are not only fostering economic growth but also promoting the values of inclusivity and diversity. Investing in businesses with a higher representation of women in leadership positions has proven to be a predictor of long-term value creation and improved financial performance. We are confident that the programme will serve as a catalyst for positive change, unlocking new avenues of development and prosperity for the Pacific,” said Mr Lagolago. So far, 12 projects have been undertaken across the Pacific. These businesses operate across a breadth of industries and have been chosen both due to the exciting scope of their work and potential for growth. While the participation in the programme cannot provide an assurance for future investment, it will provide a solid foundation to understand where businesses can focus attention to attract committed financial partners. The PACER Plus Implementation Unit and Pacific Trade Invest New Zealand are excited to embark on this collaborative journey to boost investment readiness and propel Pacific businesses onto the global stage. By capitalising on the region’s strengths, the Investment Readiness Programme aims to create a thriving investment environment that fosters sustainable development, economic empowerment, and inclusive growth. -END- More articles like this one
PACER Plus Workshop Empowers Pacific Trade Officials with Insights
APIA, Samoa – The four-day PACER Plus Regional Trade in Services Workshop, aimed at enhancing the capacity of government officials from PACER Plus Parties, concluded successfully yesterday. The workshop, held from 8-11 May in Samoa’s capital Apia, provided a platform for participants to delve into the significance of services trade, explore the PACER Plus services chapter and schedules of specific commitments, analyse trade in services statistics, and identity opportunities for Pacific Parties to bolster their service sectors and maximise gains from services trade. The workshop featured world class experts who shared their expertise and knowledge on various aspects of services trade. These included trade experts from organisations such as the World Trade Organisation, Lexbridge Lawyers, World Bank, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, TradeWorthy, Pacific Islands Forum, and the Pacific Community. Presentations from the ASEAN region and the Regional Cooperation Economic Partnership also highlighted lessons from other regions and Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) that could assist the development of trade in services in the Pacific. Through comprehensive sessions and engaging exchanges with experts, the participants deepened their understanding of the vital role services play in the region’s economic growth. The workshop fostered a collaborative environment that empowered the participants to explore the opportunities available to them and envision strategies to strengthen their service sectors. “I wish to acknowledge the PACER Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU) for organising this workshop. The first day of the workshop, I remember saying to myself that I didn’t fully understand trade in services. At the end of it, I can now say that I’ve gained invaluable insights into services trade. My understanding of the vital role services play in Solomon Islands and indeed regionally has deepened,” said Janice Ashwin, Senior Trade Officer with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade in Solomon Islands. Reflecting on the workshop’s success, Laisiana Tugaga, Operations and Secretariat Manager of the PACER Plus Implementation Unit, remarked: “We’ve learnt this week that the services sector is the backbone of economic development, creating more jobs and economic activity than any other sector. We are seeing this even in the Pacific with services value added accounting for more than half of some countries’ GDP – 70 per cent for Samoa. PACER Plus offers a unique opportunity to address barriers to trade in services in the Pacific. Not only is it the only FTA in the Pacific with a trade in services agreement that is in force, but it also has a development cooperation programme that can provide targeted support to our countries. We are confident that the knowledge gained during this workshop will pave the way of enhanced participation and gains from services trade in the Pacific.” From this workshop, the Parties have agreed to continue targeted capacity building initiatives to broaden Pacific stakeholders’ understanding of Parties’ services obligations and commitments under the PACER Plus Agreement. The Parties also agreed to look at renewed processes and tools to improve the development of project proposals under the PACER Plus Development and Economic Cooperation (DEC) work programme. The PACER Plus Implementation Unit administers the DEC and provides support to Parties for the implementation of activities including Trade in Services. -END- About PACER Plus: The Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations Plus (PACER Plus) is a unique regional trade and investment agreement among eight Pacific countries and Australia and New Zealand. The agreement aims to promote economic cooperation and enhance trade between Pacific countries and their larger neighbours, Australia and New Zealand. More articles like this one
Regional Workshop to Boost Services Trade under PACER Plus
APIA, Samoa – The Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations Plus (PACER Plus) is the only Free Trade Agreement in the Pacific which has entered into force, that has a Trade in Services component. It offers better access and greater certainty for service suppliers in Parties and has the potential to deliver significant gains given the increasing importance of services trade in Pacific economies. For these small and remote economies, services trade can directly contribute to sustainable economic development in the region through generating jobs, facilitating global and regional value chains, and enhancing participation of Pacific micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in those chains. The PACER Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU) recognises the need for further capacity development support to help Pacific countries understand their obligations and optimise the opportunities provided in the PACER Plus Agreement to increase their participation and benefits from services trade. The PPIU is therefore hosting a four-day Regional Trade in Services workshop which starts today in Apia, Samoa. Experts in Trade in Services from around the world have been engaged to conduct the training, including from the World Trade Organisation, International Telecommunications Union, United Nations Conference on Trade & Development, World Bank, Asian Development Bank, Pacific Community, and the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat. Experts from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are also engaged to share lessons learnt from services trade in their region and how it can apply to the Pacific. The workshop is attended by key trade in services officials from Pacific Parties, namely Cook Islands, Kiribati, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu. “The regional workshop will help Pacific countries enhance their participation and benefits from services trade under PACER Plus. It is a significant step towards effective capacity building and implementing Trade in Services under the PACER Plus agreement,” said Mr Roy Lagolago, Head of PPIU. -END- Photo Caption: Pacific trade officials from PACER Plus parties met at the PPIU office in Apia, Samoa today for the 4-day PACER Plus Trade in Services Workshop. More articles like this one