The Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER) Plus which has been in force since December 2020 is set for its inaugural general review in accordance with its institutional provisions.

To ensure PACER Plus remains up-to-date and relevant for business, the Agreement provides for a general review of PACER Plus with a view to furthering its objectives three years from the date of entry into force.

PACER Plus Review Team (far right) with Vanuatu government officials and PACER Plus National Coordinator Vanuatu, Mr. Michael Ligo (third from left).

In addition to shaping the immediate future, the review will also inform the trajectory of PACER Plus beyond 2025.

Sense Partners Limited and Tracey Epps Consulting, with support from KVA Consult were selected to carry out the Review.

The review adopts a comprehensive approach, encompassing qualitative and interview-based methods during national consultations. Private sector organisations will also be actively engaged to gather insights into the benefits of PACER Plus.

Initial national consultations have already taken place in Australia, Kiribati, New Zealand, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu, while Cook Islands, Niue, and Samoa scheduled for March-April 2024.

Following from the consultations, the review team will provide a report to the PACER Plus Joint Committee for consideration.

The PACER Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU) since its establishment in 2021 has been supporting Pacific Island Countries Parties to build their capacity to implement and improve trade and investment under the Agreement.

Mr. Roy Lagolago, Head of the PPIU welcomed the review: "This review will ensure that PACER Plus remains relevant and a driver for growth, business opportunities, and jobs for our Pacific people."

The final report will be available in late April 2024.

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