Check out the latest PACER Plus newsletter! No images? Click here Enhancing Pacific Labour Mobility for Sustainable DevelopmentGreetings and a warm Pacific welcome to the PACER Plus e-newsletter for March-April 2023. I am pleased to share with you the latest updates on the PACER Plus Implementation Unit's (PPIU) activities, particularly on Pacific labour mobility initiatives facilitated by the PPIU in this edition of our newsletter. Our team, in collaboration with the Australian National University, is currently conducting a scoping study to develop an Intra-Pacific Labour Mobility Strategy for Cook Islands and Niue. The study involves extensive stakeholder consultations and data collection to address labour shortages in Cook Islands, which heavily relies on foreign labour. We believe that the development of this strategy will create more job opportunities for our people and promote economic growth in the region. Moreover, PPIU has played a pivotal role in reviewing and redesigning New Zealand's Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) policy and Strengthening Pacific Labour Mobility programme to make them more effective. We also facilitated the Pacific Caucus, where the views of Pacific countries and their impacts on their labour markets were incorporated into the policy review. In line with our commitment to promoting equitable international and domestic supply of skilled professionals and semi-skilled occupations, PACER Plus has funded the Tonga Labour Mobility Supply Management Strategy. This strategy aims to address labour mobility supply challenges and develop a coordinated approach to meet the needs of Tonga's labour market. Please scroll down to read these and other activities in our bulletin below. We hope that our efforts to enhance Pacific labour mobility will contribute to the sustainable development of our region and improve the lives of our people for generations to come. Roy Lagolago Head of Unit PACER Plus in VanuatuPPIU conducted the PACER Plus Awareness Workshop in Vanuatu to inform stakeholders about the benefits of the trade agreement and encourage its implementation, which can boost economic growth and create job opportunities. International Women's DayOn International Women's Day, PPIU emphasized the importance of empowering women for promoting trade and economic development in the Pacific region. Activities such as the PACER Plus ePhyto Project creates more opportunities for women and ensure their participation in the economy. Tuvalu E-Commerce MeetingTuvalu's National E-Commerce Committee Meeting discussed payment system options to promote e-commerce development, aiming to increase online transaction opportunities for businesses and individuals in the country. Freight Support PackagePTI New Zealand is offering a Freight Support Package to help Pacific exporters transport their goods to New Zealand and other Pacific countries, reducing costs and increasing profits. Applications close on 30 April 2023. Kiribati Boosts TradeKiribati's biosecurity, public health, and customs officials received refresher training on import and export clearance procedures through PACER Plus, improving their knowledge and expertise in trade processes to expedite and align with international standards. The training will also benefit the Kiribati National Trade and Investment Portal. PPIU and EU Pacific TradePACER Plus Implementation Unit met Massimo Diomedi Camassei (pictured center), the European Union's Trade Correspondent in the Pacific, to discuss the potential for cooperation and growth in the region through synergies between PACER Plus and EU's work. Exciting possibilities ahead for cooperation and growth in the Pacific. Intra-Pacific Labour MobilityPPIU and the Australian National University are conducting a scoping study to develop an Intra-Pacific Labour Mobility Strategy for Cook Islands and Niue, including stakeholder consultations and data collection to address labour shortages in the Cook Islands, which mainly relies on foreign labour. Investment WorkshopInvestment officials from PACER Plus countries met in Sydney to learn from experts and discuss commitments made in the investment component of the agreement, aimed at improving access to international investment and stimulating economic growth while respecting each country's priorities and community needs. NZ Labour Mobility ReviewNew Zealand's RSE policy and Strengthening Pacific Labour Mobility programme was being reviewed and redesigned to enhance them. The Pacific Caucus was held to incorporate the views of Pacific countries and impacts on their labour markets facilitated by PPIU in March. Tonga Launches LM StrategyTonga has launched the Tonga Labour Mobility Supply Management Strategy, funded by PACER Plus, to address labour mobility supply challenges and develop a coordinated programme for equitable international and domestic supply of skilled professionals and semi-skilled occupations. PACER Plus in Solomon IslandsAt the 12th Australia Solomon Islands Business Forum held in Brisbane, Australia in April, Roy Lagolago reported progress on implementing PACER Plus in Solomon Islands despite COVID-19 challenges. PACER Plus offers duty-free privileges for exports to Australia and New Zealand, and Australia is committed to supporting its success. Food Safety Training in Solomon IslandsPPIU funded a two-day Food Safety Training in Solomon Islands in April to create awareness on HACCP and food safety requirements for food processors and exporters accessing export markets. Look Back at PLMAM 2022The Pacific Annual Labour Mobility Meeting (PLMAM) 2022 was held in Apia, Samoa from 7-10 November 2022. Hosted by the Government of Samoa, the 2022 PLMAM was attended by over 150 delegates from around the region to discuss priorities. PLMAM 2022 OutcomesThe 2022 Pacific Labour Mobility Annual Meeting's (PLMAM) Outcomes Document is now available which summarises the agreed decisions derived from dialogue held on 7-10 November 2022 in Apia, Samoa. 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. |