PACER Plus Boosts Tuvalu’s Tourism Development
FUNAFUTI, Tuvalu – The Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations Plus (PACER Plus) supported the development of Tuvalu’s tourism sector through a capacity building initiative aimed at improving skills of accommodation service, food and beverage service staff, and the business owners active in the industry. Tuvalu’s Department of Tourism with the support of the PACER Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU) has delivered the Tuvalu Tourism Development Training which aims to enhance the quality of standards in professional housekeeping, culinary skills, and hospitality management, strengthening the tourism industry’s contribution to the country’s GDP and national development. The Tuvalu Tourism Department, in partnership with the PPIU, organised a Tourism Industry Roundtable to explore the potential for growth and development in Tuvalu’s tourism sector. Tuvalu recognizes the importance of tourism in achieving its national vision of “A Peaceful, Resilient, and Prosperous Tuvalu”. The initiative aligns with Tuvalu’s National Development Strategy Te Kete 2021-2031 and the Tuvalu Sustainable Tourism Policy 2022-2032, both emphasizing the role of tourism in job creation, income generation, and skill development. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, tourism in Tuvalu had been steadily growing, with increasing visitor numbers and tourism receipts. In 2019, tourism earnings accounted for an estimated 5.6 per cent of the country’s GDP, providing employment opportunities for the people of Tuvalu. With the launch of the PACER Plus Tuvalu Tourism Development Training, Tuvalu aims to further harness the potential of its tourism sector. Mrs. Silaati Timo, Acting CEO of the Ministry of Transport, Energy, and Tourism, expressed her optimism about the training, stating: “Tourism has always been a significant contributor to our economy, providing employment opportunities and fostering growth across various sectors. With the support of PACER Plus, we can further enhance our tourism offerings, improve our service quality, and create a sustainable industry that benefits all Tuvaluans.” The program’s emphasis on professional standards and skills training resonates with industry experts. Mr. Joe Lam, a culinary trainer and Samoan chef, expressed his support, saying: “The training will be instrumental in uplifting the skills of the local entrepreneurs and employees in the tourism and hospitality sector.” Mr. Horace Evans, culinary trainer and Samoan chef, agreed: “By equipping them with the necessary knowledge and expertise, we can unlock their potential for innovation and entrepreneurship, ensuring a vibrant tourism industry.” Culinary trainer and chef Horace Evans (far left) with the staff of L’s Lodge in Funafuti, Tuvalu. Ms. Kate Payne, Professional Housekeeping Trainer, also shared her thoughts on the training, saying: “Quality and standards play a critical role in the success of any tourism sector. By investing in the training and upskilling of the tourism workforce, Tuvalu will be better equipped to meet international standards and exceed visitor expectations.” The PACER Plus Tuvalu Tourism Development Training aligns with the country’s broader national policies and strategies, including the Tuvalu National Trade Development Strategy 2022-2026, which identifies tourism as a priority growth sector. By integrating tourism into national supply chains and strengthening hospitality training domestically, Tuvalu aims to expand its market reach and promote investment in the tourism sector. -END- More articles like this one
PACER Plus and PTI New Zealand partnership to boost investment and economic growth in the Pacific
Pacific Trade Invest New Zealand (PTI NZ) in collaboration with the PACER Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU) is delighted to announce the launch of the Investment Readiness Programme aimed at stimulating economic growth and creating investment opportunities in the Pacific. The programme will develop a robust pipeline of up to 15 investable projects within the eight Pacific parties of PACER Plus, including Cook Islands, Niue, Kiribati, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu. The primary objective of the Investment Readiness Programme is to support selected small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Pacific by assisting them in developing investment proposals. These proposals will be utilised by PTI NZ to facilitate connections between foreign investors and developers, fostering mutually beneficial partnerships and driving sustainable economic development. The Investment Readiness Programme will adopt a sector-agnostic approach, focusing on key industries such as agriculture, renewable energy, manufacturing, fisheries, and tech/innovation. By taking this approach, the programme aims to leverage the diverse strengths and capabilities of Pacific SMEs, highlighting the region’s potential to global investors. Ms Glynis Miller (left), PTI NZ Trade Commissioner with Mr Alipate Tavo, PPIU Trade and Investment Adviser. A core principle of the Investment Readiness Programme is its commitment to promoting and supporting women-owned or led businesses. Through active engagement and dedicated resources, the programme will empower women entrepreneurs, providing them with the necessary tools and opportunities to thrive in their respective industries. Furthermore, the programme will actively promote these women-owned businesses to the impact investment community in New Zealand and abroad, recognising the significant contributions they make to the Pacific economy. Ms Glynis Miller, PTI NZ Trade Commissioner, says: “Pacific Trade Invest New Zealand is committed to assisting Pacific parties of PACER Plus expand their investment opportunities and bring global attention to the many high-value projects in the Blue Pacific. The programme offers a vital practical step for SMEs seeking equity and growth, and wanting to assess their potential firstly for investment, then for business and export development.” Mr Roy Lagolago, Head of PPIU, expressed his enthusiasm for the programme, emphasizing its value in driving economic transformation and attracting foreign investments in the Pacific. “The Investment Readiness Programme represents a tremendous opportunity for the Pacific. By nurturing and showcasing the potential of our SMEs, we are not only fostering economic growth but also promoting the values of inclusivity and diversity. Investing in businesses with a higher representation of women in leadership positions has proven to be a predictor of long-term value creation and improved financial performance. We are confident that the programme will serve as a catalyst for positive change, unlocking new avenues of development and prosperity for the Pacific,” said Mr Lagolago. So far, 12 projects have been undertaken across the Pacific. These businesses operate across a breadth of industries and have been chosen both due to the exciting scope of their work and potential for growth. While the participation in the programme cannot provide an assurance for future investment, it will provide a solid foundation to understand where businesses can focus attention to attract committed financial partners. The PACER Plus Implementation Unit and Pacific Trade Invest New Zealand are excited to embark on this collaborative journey to boost investment readiness and propel Pacific businesses onto the global stage. By capitalising on the region’s strengths, the Investment Readiness Programme aims to create a thriving investment environment that fosters sustainable development, economic empowerment, and inclusive growth. -END- More articles like this one
PACER Plus Workshop Empowers Pacific Trade Officials with Insights
APIA, Samoa – The four-day PACER Plus Regional Trade in Services Workshop, aimed at enhancing the capacity of government officials from PACER Plus Parties, concluded successfully yesterday. The workshop, held from 8-11 May in Samoa’s capital Apia, provided a platform for participants to delve into the significance of services trade, explore the PACER Plus services chapter and schedules of specific commitments, analyse trade in services statistics, and identity opportunities for Pacific Parties to bolster their service sectors and maximise gains from services trade. The workshop featured world class experts who shared their expertise and knowledge on various aspects of services trade. These included trade experts from organisations such as the World Trade Organisation, Lexbridge Lawyers, World Bank, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, TradeWorthy, Pacific Islands Forum, and the Pacific Community. Presentations from the ASEAN region and the Regional Cooperation Economic Partnership also highlighted lessons from other regions and Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) that could assist the development of trade in services in the Pacific. Through comprehensive sessions and engaging exchanges with experts, the participants deepened their understanding of the vital role services play in the region’s economic growth. The workshop fostered a collaborative environment that empowered the participants to explore the opportunities available to them and envision strategies to strengthen their service sectors. “I wish to acknowledge the PACER Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU) for organising this workshop. The first day of the workshop, I remember saying to myself that I didn’t fully understand trade in services. At the end of it, I can now say that I’ve gained invaluable insights into services trade. My understanding of the vital role services play in Solomon Islands and indeed regionally has deepened,” said Janice Ashwin, Senior Trade Officer with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade in Solomon Islands. Reflecting on the workshop’s success, Laisiana Tugaga, Operations and Secretariat Manager of the PACER Plus Implementation Unit, remarked: “We’ve learnt this week that the services sector is the backbone of economic development, creating more jobs and economic activity than any other sector. We are seeing this even in the Pacific with services value added accounting for more than half of some countries’ GDP – 70 per cent for Samoa. PACER Plus offers a unique opportunity to address barriers to trade in services in the Pacific. Not only is it the only FTA in the Pacific with a trade in services agreement that is in force, but it also has a development cooperation programme that can provide targeted support to our countries. We are confident that the knowledge gained during this workshop will pave the way of enhanced participation and gains from services trade in the Pacific.” From this workshop, the Parties have agreed to continue targeted capacity building initiatives to broaden Pacific stakeholders’ understanding of Parties’ services obligations and commitments under the PACER Plus Agreement. The Parties also agreed to look at renewed processes and tools to improve the development of project proposals under the PACER Plus Development and Economic Cooperation (DEC) work programme. The PACER Plus Implementation Unit administers the DEC and provides support to Parties for the implementation of activities including Trade in Services. -END- About PACER Plus: The Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations Plus (PACER Plus) is a unique regional trade and investment agreement among eight Pacific countries and Australia and New Zealand. The agreement aims to promote economic cooperation and enhance trade between Pacific countries and their larger neighbours, Australia and New Zealand. More articles like this one
Regional Workshop to Boost Services Trade under PACER Plus
APIA, Samoa – The Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations Plus (PACER Plus) is the only Free Trade Agreement in the Pacific which has entered into force, that has a Trade in Services component. It offers better access and greater certainty for service suppliers in Parties and has the potential to deliver significant gains given the increasing importance of services trade in Pacific economies. For these small and remote economies, services trade can directly contribute to sustainable economic development in the region through generating jobs, facilitating global and regional value chains, and enhancing participation of Pacific micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in those chains. The PACER Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU) recognises the need for further capacity development support to help Pacific countries understand their obligations and optimise the opportunities provided in the PACER Plus Agreement to increase their participation and benefits from services trade. The PPIU is therefore hosting a four-day Regional Trade in Services workshop which starts today in Apia, Samoa. Experts in Trade in Services from around the world have been engaged to conduct the training, including from the World Trade Organisation, International Telecommunications Union, United Nations Conference on Trade & Development, World Bank, Asian Development Bank, Pacific Community, and the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat. Experts from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are also engaged to share lessons learnt from services trade in their region and how it can apply to the Pacific. The workshop is attended by key trade in services officials from Pacific Parties, namely Cook Islands, Kiribati, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu. “The regional workshop will help Pacific countries enhance their participation and benefits from services trade under PACER Plus. It is a significant step towards effective capacity building and implementing Trade in Services under the PACER Plus agreement,” said Mr Roy Lagolago, Head of PPIU. -END- Photo Caption: Pacific trade officials from PACER Plus parties met at the PPIU office in Apia, Samoa today for the 4-day PACER Plus Trade in Services Workshop. More articles like this one
PACER Plus supports Investment Agencies to better implement their obligations
SYDNEY, Australia – Investment officials from the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations Plus (PACER Plus) countries gathered in Sydney, Australia from 27-29 March to learn from investment experts and from each other on the investment component of PACER Plus. This workshop is the first opportunity for officials to meet and discuss the commitments and obligations all parties have made and share progress on implementation and ideas on how they can use PACER Plus as mechanism to improve the investment environment in their home countries. “By implementing the provisions in the Investment Chapter of PACER Plus, countries are demonstrating their commitment to increasing inclusive investment, creating jobs, and delivering better outcomes for their people across the country,” says Alipate Tavo, Trade & Investment Adviser at the PACER Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU). “Each country will have a different approach, but the principles remain the same.” PACER Plus is a regional development-centered 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. With the exception of Tonga which has a bilateral agreement with the United Kingdom, PACER Plus is the first International Investment Agreement (IIA) that many Pacific countries have entered into, a key milestone in improving access to international investment. PACER Plus is also one of the world’s most innovative IIAs in that it was developed and designed specifically for the economic and cultural contexts of the Pacific and it’s regional partners. The Introductory Investment Workshop will familiarise Investment Contact Points with the rationale behind inclusion of investment provisions in PACER Plus and the role of IIAs in partnership with national investment and broader economic development strategy. All Parties have identified the attraction of foreign investment as a key growth strategy; however, this must be done in manner that respects each Parties’ priorities, the sectors they want to focus on, and the types of investors and investments they would like to encourage, based on their community needs. Co-organised with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Sydney, the three-day workshop will be funded by the PPIU. In the following days, the ADB will convene a Business Registry Workshop for Forum Island Countries from 29-31 March to discuss improving the investment admission processes and procedures across the region. -END- More articles like this one
PACER Plus an opportunity for regenerative development, trade, and investment in Vanuatu
PORT VILA, Vanuatu – Vanuatu has taken a major step to boost its economy and improve the livelihood of its people by ratifying the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER) Plus. PACER Plus, a unique development-centered trade and investment agreement between eight Pacific Island Countries and Australia and New Zealand, aims to reduce barriers to trade and investment, and promote economic development and prosperity in the region. Vanuatu’s ratification of PACER Plus marks a major milestone in the country’s commitment to trade and economic development. The agreement is expected to bring significant economic benefits to Vanuatu’s people and businesses but will require a change of mindset and a desire to change the way trade is implemented. It will reduce tariffs on goods traded with Australia and New Zealand, allowing for improved access to these markets. It will also provide the opportunity for Vanuatu to benefit from the services and investment markets of Australia and New Zealand, allowing for increased trade and foreign direct investment. In addition, the agreement will help Vanuatu to diversify its economy, providing a boost to its tourism and agricultural sectors. It will also provide improved access to technology and knowledge, allowing for more efficient and productive businesses. During the official launch of PACER Plus awareness workshop today, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and External Trade, Hon. Jotham Napat said the benefits of ratifying PACER Plus are numerous. “It 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. Head of PACER Plus Implementation Unit and Labour Mobility Secretariat, Roy Lagolago, welcomed Vanuatu to the PACER Plus family, the tenth country to ratify the agreement. “PACER Plus is unique compared to other trade agreements. Unique in that a dedicated secretariat – the PACER Plus Implementation Unit – has been set up to assist and support member parties to ensure the opportunities and benefits offered by PACER Plus are shared equally between all people by targeting and supporting more women, youth, and persons with disabilities to engage in trade. Ratifying PACER Plus is the easy part; the challenge for Vanuatu now is to unite and be clear on what they want to achieve to make the most of the opportunities that this agreement has to offer. We cannot continue to implement trade agreements in the same way and expect different results. That is why under PACER Plus, a different approach is required and we at the PACER Plus Implementation Unit stand ready to support Vanuatu towards that goal,” said Mr. Lagolago. Mr. Lagolago also announced that Vanuatu will be hosting the Pacific Labour Mobility Annual Meeting (PLMAM) this year, the first time for Vanuatu to do so. The event will bring together policymakers, researchers, and industry leaders from across the Pacific to discuss the ongoing challenges and opportunities in labour mobility. “The PLMAM is a vital platform for regional dialogue and cooperation on labour mobility, and we are delighted that Vanuatu will be hosting the event this year,” he said. The annual meeting aims to promote dialogue, collaboration, and innovation to improve the management of labour migration in the Pacific. More articles like this one
Rebuilding Tonga tourism after the pandemic
PACER Plus countries look to reinvigorate key industries to support their economic recovery with international borders reopening worldwide. The impact of the pandemic on tourism industry has been severe, where it is estimated some 80 per cent of tourism-sector jobs have been lost across the region. The tourism sector remains a key pillar of many Pacific economies and presents an important opportunity to stabilise service sectors and kick-start their diverse value chains again. For Tonga, pre-pandemic tourism contributed to over 11 per cent of GDP, a critical factor recognised by Lorraine Kauhenga, Deputy CEO at Tonga Ministry of Trade and Economic Development (MTED) when developing the program of support for international trade under the PACER Plus Agreement. Key tourism markets for Tonga are Australia and New Zealand, where over 70 per cent of tourist arrivals originate from, and thus MTED prioritised support to the Tonga Tourism Authority (TTA) as measure. With the support of PACER Plus Implementation Unit, the TTA commenced a fast-tracked program of training and re-training tourism staff. Priority themes identified through a training needs analysis in late 2021 included customer service, communications, and COVID-19 protocols as key areas for development. On 29 June 2022, the first of a series of the customer service and communications training took place at Tungi Colonade in Nuku’alofa. Some 24 participants developed skills in greeting customers, responding to complaints, and range of other activities over the two-day training. “The Ministry would like to thank the TTA for leading this much needed training in preparing our tourism industry for the reopening of the borders, learning new things as we adapt to the new norm of living with COVID-19 and its uncertainty, but also to serve as a refresher to gain new energy as we once again greet the world,” said Ms Kauhenga. Training on health and hygiene standards and COVID-19 soon followed on 11 July 2022 in Nuku’alofa, with more trainings to be rolled out across the countries in priority locations including Vava’u, Ha’apai and ‘Eua. “Whilst the pandemic has had many devastating impacts, a positive development has been the increased use of technology in the way we work. This was seen as a key opportunity for expanding the reach of training activities,” said Ms Simata Palu, Planning and Development Manager at TTA. With support from the PACER Plus Implementation Unit, TTA was able to live stream their event. “This is an important step in making our training more inclusive and accessible, as well as sustainable. Whilst we still need to develop our systems and processes to best capture this new way of delivering training, we are learning new skills and will strive to make this better as we progress,” said Ms Palu. Supporting economic recovery and promoting trade in the region is key objective of the PACER Plus Agreement. As we look to the future, many countries will consider prioritising opportunities that tourism presents in creating jobs, expanding the services sector, and international investment – all key elements of PACER Plus, and the role of the Implementation Unit in supporting. “We also appreciate the financial assistance provided through the PACER Plus Implementation Unit in making this training possible. We look forward to more successful trainings such as these and regaining the world’s confidence in our tourism industry,” said Ms Kauhenga. More articles like this one