(Apia) – Samoa’s support for stronger trade and investment in the Pacific region was emphasised in the final steps to establish the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER) Plus Implementation Unit in Apia, as The Honourable Prime Minister of Samoa, Fiame Naomi Mataafa, has signed the Host Agreement with the Head of the PACER Plus Implementation Unit, Mr Roy Lagolago. The Host agreement came into force on the 9th of September.

Mrs Peseta Noumea Simi, Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Mr Lagolago expressed gratitude for the cooperation to date between Samoa officials, PACER Plus parties and the Implementation Unit.

“This milestone is a signal of our commitment to improving trade and investment opportunities for the Pacific family and the Implementation Unit will provide the platform for Parties to expand economic opportunities and address trade constraints faced by our island economies,” said Mrs Simi

Mr Lagolago shared this view. “During these challenging times, the Parties to PACER Plus recognise the importance of working to secure economic opportunities in our region.”

“The Pacific family can use PACER Plus to ease of movement of goods and supplies across borders, and facilitate gains in sustainable development.”

This final step in establishing the office of the Implementation Unit in Samoa follows Head of State His Highness Tuimalealiifano Va'aletoa Sualauvi II signing an order under the on 21 July making the PACER Plus organisation a legal entity under Samoan law.

This partnership underscores Samoa’s support for more profound economic cooperation among Pacific Island Forum member countries. Samoa was also the first Forum Island Country to ratify the PACER Plus, a further signal of Samoa’s continued commitment to regional integration.

The office of the PACER Plus Implementation Unit will be located at Tuanaimato, upstairs of the building currently occupied by Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. The office space is currently under construction and fit-out, and will create a number of jobs in Samoa.

END

Contacts:

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Samoa
Government of Samoa Press Secretariat

Download as PDF document