Check out 2023's first edition of the PPIU newsletter for an exciting announcement!
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Vanuatu joins the PACER Plus family!
Greetings and a warm Pacific welcome to the first e-newsletter issue of 2023.
I am delighted to welcome Vanuatu to the PACER Plus family! After more than 10 years of negotiations, this is an historic day for our region and its people. This unique agreement will bring economic and social benefits to Vanuatu and our member countries.
I recently met with the Vanuatu Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and External Trade Hon. Jotham Napat and we discussed priority commodities and areas that PPIU can support Vanuatu in.
My team and I will continue to meet with stakeholders in Vanuatu to strengthen public-private sector working relationships and facilitate better understanding of PACER Plus.
"PACER Plus will provide better job opportunities for the people of Vanuatu. It will open new avenues of employment for our people, helping to reduce poverty and improve the overall wellbeing of our community," said Mr. Napat during the PACER Plus Awareness Workshop in February.
We have been working hard to ensure that the agreement is implemented in ways that are beneficial to Pacific Island country members.
Some of the key activities in 2023 include:
- Broader trade and investment-related assistance (procurement of incinerator, fumigation treatment facilities, harvesting bins, etc.)
- Tourism sector development
- Pacific Labour Mobility Annual Meeting 2023 in Vanuatu
- Providing technical assistance in the areas of trade policy and trade facilitation
We look forward to continuing this work this year and beyond, and we look forward to your continued support.
Tankiu tumas
Head of Unit
PACER Plus Implementation Unit
Apia, Samoa
Vanuatu ratifies PACER Plus
Vanuatu has officially ratified the PACER Plus becoming the tenth country to do so. This agreement will open up new markets, create jobs, and help Vanuatu's businesses compete in the global economy. We are excited to start seeing the benefits that this agreement will bring to Vanuatu!
Economic impact of labour mobility in Vanuatu
The SSFWP highlights the importance of localised support groups to addressing the negative social impacts of labour mobility in Vanuatu. Peter Bumseng of SSFWP believes that the programme can be replicated in other countries as the challenges are similar. It only takes the commitment of champions such as Peter to convert the negatives to positive outcomes for the workers and their families.
PPIU meets Tonga's Prime Minister
Roy Lagolago (right), Head of PACER Plus Implementation Unit, met Tonga Prime Minister, Hon. Siaosi Sovaleni (center), in February to brief him on the progress of PACER Plus activities in the country. This is part of the larger effort to create economic opportunities and increase economic prosperity for the people of Tonga.
Tongan farmers receive support from PACER Plus
PPIU handed over 1,000 harvesting crates to Tonga on 8 February 2023. These harvesting crates will assist Tongan farmers by minimising post-harvest damage and loss of produce harvested for export.
How ePhyto can benefit Tongan exporters
PACER Plus ePhyto Workshop is a great opportunity for officials and Tongan exporters to learn about the electronic phytosanitary certification system which is the key to expanding exports of fresh produce to the global market. The three-day workshop which was held in Nuku'alofa provided an in-depth understanding of the system and how it can benefit Tongan exporters.
PPIU supports Tonga tourism
With the reopening of Tonga's international borders, PPIU supported the Tongan tourism industry with training programs on customer service, communications, COVID-19 protocols, and other priority themes identified through a training needs analysis.
PPIU meets Tuvalu's Prime Minister
PACER Plus is creating a positive impact on Tuvalu. Roy Lagolago met with the Prime Minister of Tuvalu, Hon. Kausea Natano (right) to discuss how PPIU can support Tuvalu in implementing the activities under the agreement. We look forward to seeing positive outcomes in the coming year!
PACER Plus supports Tuvalu agriculture sector
Loss and damage of harvested commodities at the farm and during transportation to cleaning and processing facilities is one of the major challenges for local produce prepared for export. Responding to this issue, PPIU handed over 150 harvesting crates to the Tuvalu Government on February. These harvesting crates will assist Tuvalu by minimising post-harvest damage and loss of produce harvested for export.
ePhyto Workshop in Tuvalu
The PACER Plus ePhyto Training commenced in Funafuti, Tuvalu from 15-17 February. The training is to familiarise quarantine officers on the usage of the ePhyto platform.
Evolini Mami (pictured), Senior Plant Protection and Quarantine Officer with the Department of Agriculture Tuvalu, said: "With the PACER Plus ePhyto Training, we are able to understand how ePhyto works. In doing so, we are able to understand how to exchange phyto certificates electronically before the consignment arrives in Tuvalu."
Sea Container Hygiene
Increasing exports of Pacific products will benefit communities and economies in the region. To reduce biosecurity risks and ensure faster movement of Pacific containers at international ports, sea container hygiene is extremely important.
We want to make your experience with us better! If you have any questions or if you wish to be featured in the next update, please contact us. Fa'afetai lava.
