From Ocean Depths to International Tables
SolTuna’s Journey of Triumph with PACER Plus HONIARA, Solomon Islands – For years, the Solomon Islands’ pristine waters have cradled SolTuna, a leading tuna company, in their cerulean embrace. Amidst the ebb and flow of the tides, SolTuna battled daunting challenges, determined to deliver their prized tuna to the plates of Australians and New Zealanders. Their odyssey took a historic turn in 2020, when the Solomon Islands ratified the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations Plus or PACER Plus, a unique development-centered trade agreement that transformed SolTuna’s struggles into triumphs. Fish unloading at the wharf in Noro, Solomon Islands. (Photo: SIBC) “Before PACER Plus, SolTuna faced significant hurdles in exporting our tuna to Australia and New Zealand. Burdened by import duties, we found it hard to compete in these markets,” recalled Mr. Mark Gibble, SolTuna’s Business Development Manager. Despite these barriers, SolTuna’s spirit remained unyielding. Their commitment to quality and sustainability buoyed them through turbulent waters. With the ratification of PACER Plus, their efforts were not in vain. The agreement ushered in a new era, one where import duties were but a memory, paving the way for tariff-free exports. “PACER Plus has been a game-changer. It ensures we no longer pay import duties, revitalising our exports to Australia and New Zealand,” beamed Mr. Gribble. In the wake of tariff liberation, SolTuna’s exports soared. The aroma of freshly caught Solomon Islands tuna began gracing kitchens across Australia and New Zealand. But the impact transcended the realms of the market; it seeped into the heart of the Solomon Islands. With increased demand, SolTuna blossomed, sowing seeds of economic prosperity and job creation for the Pacific Island country. SolTuna’s surge in exports to Australia and New Zealand did more than boost the company’s bottom line. It became a beacon of hope for the people of the Solomon Islands, heralding a wave of employment opportunities. As SolTuna expanded its operations to meet the rising demand, a ripple effect of prosperity washed over the local communities. The increased production at SolTuna meant more hands were needed to harvest, process, and package the prized tuna, creating a surge in employment opportunities for the people. “Our success is not just measured in tons of tuna exported; it’s measured in the lives we touch and the communities we uplift in Solomon Islands. The positive impact of SolTuna’s growth goes beyond economic numbers. It’s about people, their dreams, and the collective progress of the Solomon Islands,” shared Mr. Gribble. “The effects of PACER Plus are profound. It ensures sustainable growth for our industry. With rising demands, we’re adopting eco-friendly practices, safeguarding our marine resources for generations to come,” added Mr. Gribble. “The future is promising. PACER Plus has granted us a competitive edge. We envision expanding our operations, generating employment, and continuing to offer sustainable, high-quality tuna worldwide.” Through tariff-free exports, SolTuna not only propels the economy forward but also safeguards the rich marine ecosystem that sustains countless livelihoods in the Solomon Islands. In every can of tuna exported, there is a story of resilience, collaboration, and a brighter future for a nation and its people. -END- More articles like this one
PACER Plus Implementation Unit Advocates for International Standards at the ISO Annual Meeting
BRISBANE, Australia – Mr. Roy Lagolago, Head of the PACER Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU), was among the participants at the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) Annual Meeting, held from 18-22 September 2023 in Brisbane, Australia. The event, hosted by Standards Australia, brought together global experts and leaders to discuss collaboration, innovation, and sustainable solutions for addressing pressing global challenges. It also explored the role of International Standards in achieving the 2030 Global Agenda’s Sustainable Development Goals. Mr. Roy Lagolago makes a presentation at the ISO Annual Meeting in Brisbane, Australia. Mr. Lagolago’s presence at the ISO Annual Meeting was marked by a talanoa focused on how the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations Plus (PACER Plus) could support Pacific parties in becoming more actively engaged with ISO standards and understanding their significance. PACER Plus, a unique development-based trade agreement between Australia, New Zealand and eight Pacific countries, aims to foster economic growth, trade liberalisation, and sustainable development among its parties. Mr. Lagolago’s discussion with interested delegates from the Pacific explored how PACER Plus could contribute to their ambitions to play a more significant role in ISO’s standardisation efforts. “We believe that embracing international standards is key to achieving economic growth, sustainability, and prosperity in the Pacific,” said Mr. Lagolago. “PACER Plus is committed to helping our member nations better understand and engage with ISO standards to enhance the quality of products and services they offer while facilitating trade with the broader international community.” The Pacific delegation’s attendance at the ISO Annual Meeting was made possible through the support of Standards Australia and the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. Their contributions enabled officials from the Pacific to participate actively in discussions and share their perspectives on standards development. The United Kingdom is also committing AU$5.8 million to bolster the adoption of standards within Commonwealth countries. This investment aims to dismantle trade barriers, foster economic resilience, diminish reliance on aid, and pave the way for Pacific countries and other Commonwealth members to seize new opportunities for international businesses. Regional officials discuss how PACER Plus can support Pacific countries in becoming more actively engaged with ISO standards and understanding their significance. Hon. Crossley Tatui, Niue’s Minister for Finance and Infrastructure and the current chair of the PACER Plus Ministers Meeting, emphasized the significance of PACER Plus at both national and regional levels, highlighting its potential to deliver tangible benefits to Pacific countries. Ms. Leata Alaimoana, Queensland Trade Commissioner for the Pacific, discussed the close ties between the Australian state of Queensland and the Pacific, underscoring the opportunities for greater engagement with PACER Plus. Dr. Ulrich Diekmann, Regional Quality Infrastructure Coordination with the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, provided valuable insights into the Pacific’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its quality infrastructure, aligning with international standards to improve competitiveness and trade capabilities. The ISO Annual Meeting provided a vital platform for fostering global partnerships and advancing the adoption of international standards. The participation of Mr. Lagolago in facilitating discussions on PACER Plus and its connection to ISO standards underscored the Agreement’s commitment to quality, sustainability, and international collaboration. -END- More articles like this one
PACER Plus Empowers Farmers in Solomon Islands’ Malaita Province
PACER Plus has assisted Goshen Enterprise Ltd with the provision of 500 harvest bins to assist the company in its efforts to support farmers on Malaita Province, Solomon Islands. The harvest bins were handed over by the Trade Commissioner in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET) Solomon Islands, Mr. Barrett Salato to Goshen Enterprise representative at the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Biosecurity area at Henderson, Solomon Islands yesterday (17 August 2023). MFAET Trade Commissioner Mr. Barrett Salato (left) handing over the harvest bins to Goshen’s Mr. Levite Maesimae (right) and witnessed by Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Deputy Director of Biosecurity Solomon Islands, Mr. Crispus Fanai (center). The bins will be used to assist farmers in the post-harvest process where products will be harvested and transported to Goshen’s newly operated pack-house on Malaita for storage and eventual distribution to the domestic and international markets. Mr. Salato acknowledged the support from PACER Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU) in providing the bins that would go a long way in assisting Goshen and farmers on Malaita. He said Goshen has been working together with farmers on Malaita to encourage them to go into taro farming and increase productivity. He stressed that the bins are useful for harvest and transport to the processing facility. “I trust that Goshen will distribute the bins to their farmers and will be made useful for its intended purpose,” he added. Goshen Enterprises Limited was the beneficiary of a Taro Pack House on Malaita with funding support from the World Trade Organisation’s Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) Programme. Under EIF-Enhanced Capabilities of Agriculture Trade (ECAT) project in the Solomon Islands, emphasis was made on the development of taro products with focus on two provinces, Temotu and Malaita. Trade Commissioner Salato said that the Solomon Islands Government is keen to export taro to the international market soon. Trade Commissioner Salato said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade would like to see that at some stage, Solomon Islands will be able to export taro to the international market, especially Australia and New Zealand with the Pacific diaspora. “I understand that the supply of taro is high at both markets and therefore this is where our target should be. With the close of the EIF-ECAT Project in June 2023, PACER Plus is coming on board to assist the Country with some of its programs. The delivery of these harvesting bins is a testimony of the support by PACER Plus,” he added. In receiving the harvesting bins, Goshen’s Levite Maesimae said farmers on Malaita have expressed concerns about the quality of their products when reaching the processing facility, hence the bins would greatly assist in the storage and handling of the products. He thanked PACER Plus for providing the bins to Goshen Enterprise. “It’s a delight to witness the tangible impact of PACER Plus in action, as it contributes to the growth and development of enterprises like Goshen on Malaita. These harvest bins serve as a testament to the collaborative efforts between PACER Plus and the Solomon Islands’ government as well as local businesses, uplifting farmers and enhancing the post-harvest processes. This initiative showcases the commitment to fostering agricultural prosperity and trade within Solomon Islands and the Pacific,” said Mr. Alipate Tavo, the PPIU Trade and Investment Adviser. -END- More articles like this one
PACER Plus Fumigation Training to Enhance Biosecurity Measures in Vanuatu
PORT VILA, Vanuatu – Pacific countries are facing multiple capacity constraints in the crucial areas of biosecurity requirements, treatments, and general Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Measures. Recognising the significance of addressing these challenges, the PACER Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU) has organised a comprehensive training program on fumigation treatment and accreditation scheme, aimed at strengthening the skills and knowledge of biosecurity and quarantine personnel in Vanuatu. Armstrong Sam, Director of Biosecurity Vanuatu, (fourth from left) flanked by representatives of Nordiko Quarantine Systems and biosecurity officials from Samoa, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu. The four-day training which commences today will focus on providing participants with a better understanding of the application and handling of methyl bromide, a widely used fumigant known as ‘toxic gas’. By equipping the participants with the necessary expertise, this initiative aims to enhance compliance with Australian import requirements and improve overall biosecurity measures. The PPIU has collaborated closely with the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry (DAFF) to ensure the alignment of training activities for the Australian component of this program. In this regard, Australian company Nordiko Quarantine Systems has been chosen as the key training provider due to their expertise and reputation as the main supplier of fumigation equipment to the Pacific. Mr. Armstrong Sam, Director of Biosecurity Vanuatu, expressed his support for this training program, stating, “There are multiple capacity constraints in the areas of biosecurity requirements, treatments, and general SPS Measures in Vanuatu. This activity will provide training to biosecurity and quarantine personnel, providing a better understanding for the application and safe handling of methyl bromide.” This training program represents a significant step forward in strengthening biosecurity measures and enhancing the capacity of Pacific National Plant Protection Organisations and stakeholders along the plant export pathway. By equipping biosecurity personnel with the necessary skills, knowledge, and tools, the program aims to bolster compliance with international standards, thereby safeguarding the agricultural industries and environments of Pacific countries. -END- More articles like this one
Exporting Samoan Taro to New Zealand
Empowering Farmers and Nurturing Communities In the heart of Samoa, where lush green fields stretch under the embrace of the Pacific sun, a remarkable story of resilience and opportunity unfolds. Meet Seuamuli Kome Robbie Lauano, a 48-year-old entrepreneur whose dedication and resourcefulness have brought the flavours of Samoan taro to the shores of New Zealand, thanks to the support of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF) Samoa and the PACER Plus Implementation Unit. Mr. Lauano’s journey began with a simple but profound realisation. He saw the untapped potential of small farmers in Samoa who lacked the opportunity to export their produce. Determined to bridge this gap, Mr. Lauano reached out to the PACER Plus Implementation Unit, which utilised its networks to support Mr Lauano. With a vision of empowering local farmers, Mr. Lauano set out to purchase their taro, offering fair prices that sustained their families in numerous ways. By eliminating the middlemen and directly supporting the farmers, he not only ensured their financial stability but also fostered a sense of hope and optimism within the community. Iopu Ma’aolo (left), a farmer from Savai’i, smiles as he receives WS$1,080 in cash from Seuamuli Kome Robbie Lauano for the export of his taro. Through Mr. Lauano’s efforts, over 2,000 kilograms of Samoan taro made their way to New Zealand, crossing borders with zero tariffs under the PACER Plus agreement. The destination was Papakura Wholesale Meats Direct, a store in Auckland, New Zealand owned by Mr. Lauano and his business partner, Toomata Paul Stowers. The response from consumers were overwhelming, as word spread about the availability of fresh, high-quality Samoan taro. Throngs of eager customers travelled from Otara, Manurewa, and Mangere to savour the taste of these traditional delights. The aroma of boiled taro filled the air, as families gathered around tables adorned with the bounty from Samoa. The connection to their cultural heritage was rekindled, and the demand for Samoan taro soared. For Mr. Iopu Ma’aolo, a 35-year-old farmer from Savai’i, this newfound opportunity brought tangible improvements to his family’s life. With a beaming smile, he shared how he earned WS$1,080 (US$400) from the export of his taro. Comparing the current market prices, he expressed gratitude for the upfront payment and the increased value of his produce. The additional income would help secure a brighter future for his two children, offering them improved access to education and healthcare. Avea Vaoga (right), a farmer from Savai’i, receives WS$5,400 from Seuamuli Kome Robbie Lauano which he plans to invest in his farm. Similarly, Mr. Avea Vaoga, a 52-year-old farmer also from Savai’i, rejoiced at the fruits of his labour. When he received a cash payment of WS$5,400 (US$2,000) for his taro, his joy knew no bounds. As a community leader, Mr. Vaoga understood the significance of this opportunity not only for his family but also for the entire community. With his newfound earnings, he planned to invest in his farm, providing employment to young men in the village. The prospect of agricultural prosperity excited him, as he envisioned a future where opportunities for export continued to uplift local farmers. Beyond the financial gains, the export of Samoan taro holds deeper significance. It symbolises a revival of cultural identity and pride, reminding Samoans living abroad of their roots. The aroma, taste, and texture of this traditional staple transport them back to cherished memories and traditions, strengthening the bonds that unite the Samoan diaspora. The success of Mr. Lauano’s venture highlights the importance of empowering local farmers and supporting agricultural growth in Pacific countries. Samoa’s MAF and the PACER Plus Implementation Unit’s role in supporting this journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of collaboration and opportunity. As the sun sets over the expansive taro fields of Samoa, Mr. Lauano continues to work tirelessly, bridging the gap between farmers and distant markets. His story is a testament to the resilience and determination of Pacific communities and a beacon of hope for farmers who dare to dream of a brighter future. With each kilogram of Samoan taro exported, a legacy of empowerment, sustainability, and cultural preservation is written, one that echoes through generations to come. -END- More articles like this one
PACER Plus Regional ePhyto Project Empowers Agricultural Trade in the Pacific
APIA, Samoa – The Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations Plus (PACER Plus) hosted a Regional ePhyto Webinar on Thursday, 15 June 2023, bringing together key stakeholders from across the Pacific to explore the potential of electronic phytosanitary certification in improving facilitation of agricultural trade. The virtual event marked a significant milestone in advancing digital solutions for trade facilitation and bolstering economic growth in the region – at the completion of the first year of the ePhyto Capability Project. The PACER Plus Regional ePhyto Webinar was attended by Pacific government officials, regional partners, and industry stakeholders. The PACER Plus Regional ePhyto Webinar was attended by government officials, industry representatives, and experts in phytosanitary systems. Mr Peter Neimanis, the PACER Plus ePhyto Consultant, provided a presentation on the benefits and challenges of adopting electronic phytosanitary certification, sharing best practices, and exploring strategies for effective implementation. Mr Neimanis highlighted the transformative potential of ePhyto in streamlining trade processes and ensuring the safety and quality of agricultural products. “The PACER Plus ePhyto Webinar represents a significant step forward in enhancing trade efficiency and sustainability in the Pacific. By digitizing phytosanitary certification, we can reduce paperwork, improve accuracy, and expedite the flow of goods, ultimately benefiting both exporters, importers, and government agencies,” he said. The webinar also showcased successful ePhyto implementation updates from Cook Islands, Kiribati, Solomon Islands, and Tonga, underscoring the positive impact of electronic certification on trade facilitation. ePhyto will enhance trade efficiency and sustainability in the Pacific, said Mr Peter Neimanis (left). PACER Plus is a regional development-centered trade and investment agreement aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. The agreement is designed to support Pacific countries to stimulate economic growth by becoming more active partners in, and benefit from, regional and global trade. Ten countries are currently parties to the agreement: Australia, Cook Islands, Kiribati, New Zealand, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu. -END- More articles like this one
PACER Plus supports Samoan exporters and stakeholders in improving trade through ePhytos
APIA, Samoa – More than 10 Samoan exporters attended the opening of the PACER Plus ePhyto Workshop in Apia today. Hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF), the three-day workshop is funded by the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER) Plus Implementation Unit. PACER Plus is a regional development-centered trade and investment agreement aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. The Agreement is designed to support Pacific Island countries to stimulate economic growth by becoming more active partners in, and benefit from, regional and global trade. Ten countries are currently parties to the Agreement: Australia, Cook Islands, Kiribati, New Zealand, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu. Samoa’s Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt, officially opened the workshop stressing the importance of the activity to Samoan exporters as it fosters opportunities in using technology to exchange phytosanitary certificates through a safe and secure platform. “ePhyto promotes opportunities to improve bilateral trade in the region and other parts of the world. It will advance trade efficiency by reducing costs associated with bilateral negotiations and reduce fraudulent certificates. The ePhyto system will improve trade thereby improving incomes, creating more employment opportunities, and thereby enhancing economic development,” said Hon. La’aulialemalietoa. ePhyto is short for “electronic phytosanitary certificate”. The International Plant Protection Convention ePhyto Solution is a tool that transitions paper phytosanitary certificate information into a digital phytosanitary certificate or “ePhyto”. This electronic exchange between countries makes trade safer, faster, and cheaper. Manual phytosanitary certification creates issues for government and industry due to erroneous, lost, fraudulent, and delayed certification. ePhyto looks to minimise or eliminate such trade facilitation problems. “This workshop will build the capacity of Samoa, as a party to PACER Plus, providing the change management assistance necessary for government officials and industry to become proficient in using the ePhyto system. This covers the transition from paper to electronic, training on the IT skills needed for issuing ePhyto, and ‘training the trainers’ to ensure skills are transferred on,” said PACER Plus Implementation Unit’s Trade and Investment Adviser, Alipate Tavo. MAF Minister, Hon. La’aulialemalietoa thanked the support of PACER Plus in facilitating safe trade in Samoa. “I am very delighted to acknowledge on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, our appreciation to PACER Plus and the Pacific Community for all your continued support and collaboration to facilitate safe trade. It is extremely important that we work together because it paves the way to a promising future for trade between Samoa and other countries. It is a light at the end of the tunnel for many of our Samoan exporters who are looking for opportunities to reduce red tapes and fraudulent certificates,” said Hon. La’aulialemalietoa. The PACER Plus ePhyto Workshop will conclude on Friday, 9 December. More articles like this one
PACER Plus SPS and TBT Workshop Empowers Solomon Islands to Foster Trade Excellence
HONIARA, Solomon Islands – The Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations Plus (PACER Plus) successfully concluded its SPS and TBT Workshop in Honiara, Solomon Islands, held from 23-24 May. The workshop was specifically designed to create awareness and promote understanding of the Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) and Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) obligations and requirements outlined in the PACER Plus Agreement. The two-day workshop brought together key stakeholders from the government, private sector, and non-governmental organisations in Solomon Islands. The event ensured that relevant government officials, importers, exporters, farmers, women groups, youth, community groups, and all those involved in trade are well-informed and updated on SPS and TBT measures, as well as their implementation when engaging in trade activities with other parties of PACER Plus. “The workshop has been an eye-opener for many of us,” said Ms Claudine Watoto (left), owner of Island Agro Fresh, shaking hands with Mr Alipate Tavo, PPIU Trade and Investment Adviser at the PACER Plus SPS and TBT Awareness Workshop in Honiara, Solomon Islands. “This workshop and the topics covered are very important, especially for us who want to export our local products. It’s been an eye-opener for many of us. Thank you to the PACER Plus Implementation Unit for facilitating this. It has allowed us to think on what needs to be improved, and identify where the gaps are,” said Ms Claudine Watoto, owner of Island Agro Fresh, a Solomon Island producer of flour from crops such as potato, banana, and cassava. The Government of Solomon Islands expressed its gratitude to all the participants and to the PACER Plus Implementation Unit for their dedication and contribution to the success of the workshop. “Historically, we have been facing a great deal of challenges in getting our local unique products into the bigger markets, such as Australia and New Zealand. Under PACER Plus, there is a Development Economic Cooperation Work Programme that also provides support to responsible agencies to assist them in creating an enabling environment for private sectors,” said Mrs Jenny Barile, Deputy Director of External Trade. “Thank you to PPIU for conducting this awareness workshop, and for the continuous support towards the implementation of PACER Plus in Solomon Islands. PACER Plus will help our country to become more active partners in, and benefit from, regional and global trade and, in turn, create new opportunities for economic growth, jobs, and raising living standards.” -END- More articles like this one
PACER Plus-funded food safety training concludes in Solomon Islands
A food safety training program for food processors and exporters on food safety requirements and the importance of compliance and implementation of food safety plans (HACCP) was successfully concluded this week in Honiara, Solomon Islands. The training, which was held from 24-25 April, was conducted by the Food Safety Unit within the Environmental Health Division of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services. The two-day training was funded by the Pacific Agreement for Closer Economic Relations Plus (PACER Plus). PACER Plus is a unique trade and investment agreement aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. The agreement is designed to support participating countries to stimulate economic growth by becoming more active partners in, and benefit from, regional and global trade. Ten countries are currently parties to the agreement: Australia, Cook Islands, Kiribati, New Zealand, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu. The training program aimed to provide awareness to food processors and exporters on the food safety requirements of the Pure Food Act 1996 and subsequent legislation, and most critically, for facilitation of food export. Compliance with HACCP is a critical requirement mandated by law for accessing food export markets. The program also aimed to train food processors, exporters, and handlers on the important issues of food safety and increase their understanding and desire for improvement and compliance. More than 20 participants participated in the workshop. The Ministry of Health and Medical Services expressed its gratitude for receiving the necessary support to conduct the training, and acknowledged the Department of External Trade under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade as the national focal point for PACER Plus. Deputy Secretary to MFAET, Mr Cornelius Walegerea, said: This training will contribute to making a difference in our food processing and export industries by improving businesses in Solomon Islands to produce better quality and safe products, and allowing our exporters to be more effective players in the regional and international markets. PACER Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU) is committed to supporting PACER Plus parties to improve food safety and increase their competitiveness in the global marketplace. PPIU will continue to support capacity building efforts on food safety in Solomon Islands and other PACER Plus parties. More articles like this one
Bridging the Gender Gap in Agriculture
How Electronic Phytosanitary is Empowering Women in the Pacific The electronic phytosanitary certification system, also known as ePhyto, is a technological innovation that is making a significant contribution to gender equality in trade. This digital platform facilitates the certification of plant and food products by eliminating physical paperwork, reducing processing time, and enabling real-time tracking of certification status. One of the critical ways in which ePhyto supports gender equality is by enabling women to participate more fully in international trade. In many countries, women are traditionally excluded from trade-related activities due to cultural and social barriers. However, ePhyto has made it easier for Pacific women to access and participate in the export market by simplifying the certification process and making it more accessible. ePhyto removes the need for Pacific women to travel to and attend to government offices to complete phytosanitary paperwork each time they export/import. This system reduces time burdens, eliminates need to travel, and allows for online activities to be done at a time convenient to women. This system substantially supports Pacific women in engaging fully in trade. The Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations Plus (PACER Plus) has been a crucial driver of ePhyto’s implementation in the Pacific region. PACER Plus is a unique trade agreement that aims to promote sustainable economic development in the Pacific by improving access to international markets. By supporting the adoption of ePhyto, PACER Plus is assisting member parties to increase their competitiveness in international trade while also promoting gender equality. Since September 2022, PACER Plus Implementation Unit provided training to a total of 123 biosecurity officials and exporters from seven member parties: Cook Islands, Kiribati, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, and Tuvalu. However, plans to involve stakeholders in Vanuatu, the latest Pacific country to ratify the agreement, have been delayed due to Cyclone Judy and Cyclone Kevin that hit the country this month. Out of all the participants who received training, 42 per cent are women. May Schaaf Vi, Manager Operations for Hihifo Foods, attended the PACER Plus ePhyto Training in Nuku’alofa, Tonga. “In my past experiences, the manual phyto certification generally takes a day or two to process. With ePhyto, processing the certificates will almost be instant which would assist us greatly in exporting and importing goods,” said Ms. Vi. ePhyto is a technological innovation that is having a significant impact on promoting gender equality in the Pacific. By simplifying the certification process and eliminating gender-based barriers to trade, ePhyto is enabling more Pacific women to participate in international trade and access new economic opportunities. More articles like this one