Check out the latest PACER Plus newsletter! No images? Click here Advancing PACER Plus: Achievements and RoadmapAs we bid farewell to the 2022-2023 financial year, I am delighted to present the May-June edition of our newsletter, marking the culmination of another successful financial year for PACER Plus. One of the notable events was the successful PACER Plus Joint Committee Meeting held in Niue. The meeting provided a platform for delegates to engage in fruitful talanoa, fostering open dialogue and addressing key issues impacting the implementation of the PACER Plus Agreement. Our collective efforts have resulted in substantial advancements in various areas, including trade in goods, trade in services, investment, labour mobility, and measures to enhance the long-term impact of PACER Plus. During the Joint Committee Meeting, several crucial outcomes were achieved. Firstly, the Annual Plan for the Financial Year 2023-2024 was adopted, setting out the roadmap for the upcoming year. This plan will guide our activities and ensure the effective implementation of the agreement. Secondly, the General Review process for the Agreement was endorsed, providing an opportunity to assess its overall effectiveness and identify areas for improvement. This review will help us refine our strategies and enhance the benefits for all participating countries. Additionally, the PACER Plus Monitoring and Evaluation, Learning and Adaptation (MELA) Framework and the Gender Equality and Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) Strategy were both endorsed. These frameworks will play a crucial role in ensuring that our initiatives are monitored, evaluated, and adjusted as needed to promote sustainable development and inclusivity. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all the delegates and stakeholders for their dedication and active participation during the Joint Committee Meeting. Your commitment has been instrumental in driving the progress we have achieved thus far. Below, we've provided some highlights on activities and events we've had in the last two months. As we conclude this financial year, let us reflect on our accomplishments and continue working together to realize the full potential of PACER Plus. Together, we can create a prosperous and inclusive future for all participating countries. Warm wishes, Roy Lagolago Head of Unit Trade in Services WorkshopPACER Plus, the Pacific's only active Free Trade Agreement with a Trade in Services component, aims to boost economic development through services trade and is supported by a regional workshop for capacity building. Intra-Pacific Labour Mobility Assessment in NiuePPIU and The Australian National University are assessing intra-Pacific labour mobility in Niue to tackle labour shortages. This follows Niue's recognition as a Pacific labour receiving country and aims to promote sustainable economic development and address labour shortages through the PACER Plus Agreement and the Arrangement on Labour Mobility. SPS/TBT Workshop in HoniaraPPIU concluded its SPS and TBT Workshop in Honiara, Solomon Islands. The workshop aimed to promote understanding of SPS and TBT obligations and requirements in the agreement, and was well-received by participants who expressed gratitude for the support and opportunities provided by PACER Plus. Empowerment Through Entrepreneurship in KiribatiPACER Plus is backing Kiribati's Entrepreneurship Curriculum to improve entrepreneurial skills and promote economic growth. Trainers trained by PPIU have conducted the first training session, marking the beginning of a series of trainings to empower i-Kiribati workers and stimulate economic development. Samoa Independence DayWe celebrated Samoa's Independence Day in June and acknowledged their contributions to regional cooperation and trade. PACER Plus will benefit Samoa by increasing trade, investment, and regional integration, creating jobs and improving livelihoods. PPIU is committed to supporting Samoa in maximizing the agreement's benefits. Niue Welcomes PACER Plus Regional LeadersThe PACER Plus Joint Committee Meeting took place in Alofi, Niue. Frank Sioneholo, the PACER Plus national focal point for Niue, said: "For Niue, PACER Plus provides a framework for increased regional economic integration and at the same time provides assistance needed to enable us to benefit from trade." JC Meeting Key OutcomesThe PACER Plus Joint Committee Meeting took place in Alofi, Niue. Frank Sioneholo, the PACER Plus national focal point for Niue, said: "For Niue, PACER Plus provides a framework for increased regional economic integration and at the same time provides assistance needed to enable us to benefit from trade." PIFS and PPIU MeetingThe Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), met with PPIU and discussed the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, labour mobility, collaboration between PPIU and PIF, and the PACER Plus Ministers gathering. The meeting emphasized the importance of collaboration, unity, and shared aspirations for the Pacific. Investment Readiness ProjectPacific Trade Invest New Zealand and PPIU launched the Investment Readiness Programme to stimulate economic growth and create investment opportunities in the Pacific, focusing on SMEs and promoting women-owned businesses. Success Story: Samoan Farmers Exports TaroEntrepreneur Seuamuli Kome Robbie Lauano empowers Samoan farmers by exporting taro to New Zealand, fostering financial stability, cultural pride, and opportunities for education and employment in the community. Regional ePhyto WebinarThe PACER Plus Regional ePhyto Webinar brought together Pacific stakeholders to discuss electronic phytosanitary certification, promoting trade facilitation and economic growth in the region. Successful ePhyto implementation updates were shared. Pacific Labour Mobility PerspectivesThe PACER Plus Implementation Unit and Labour Mobility Secretariat chaired the Pacific Update 2023 in Fiji, discussing regional perspectives on labour mobility and strengthening collaboration for development benefits in the Pacific. Labour Mobility ExchangePPIU was invited by the Pacific Immigration Development Community Secretariat to participate in panel discussions on labour mobility. The event allowed for exploring various aspects of managing foreign workers and promoting foreign investment. Boosting Tuvalu's TourismThe Tuvalu Tourism Department, with the support of the PPIU, delivered the Tuvalu Tourism Development Training in June. This initiative aims to enhance the skills of accommodation and food service staff, as well as business owners, strengthening the industry's contribution to Tuvalu's GDP and national development. Come work with us!Join the PACER Plus Implementation Unit! Exciting vacancies available for talented individuals passionate about trade and development. Visit our website to apply and be part of our dynamic team. 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. |