Regional Refresher Training on PACER Plus Rules of Origin Empowers Trainers
NUKU’ALOFA, Tonga – The Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations Plus (PACER Plus) Implementation Unit (PPIU) successfully organised the Rules of Origin Train the Trainers Workshop in collaboration with key regional and international partners. The event took place in Nuku’alofa, Tonga, from 16-20 October 2023. The regional workshop’s goal was to equip trainers with the knowledge and skills necessary to bridge the existing gaps in training and ensure effective implementation of PACER Plus Rules of Origin. This initiative, co-funded by the PPIU and the Oceania Customs Organisation (OCO), aimed to enhance the capacity of trainers in the Pacific region to deliver national and regional capacity building on Rules of Origin (RoO). Partners involved in this initiative included the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Charles Sturt University’s Center for Customs and Excise Studies (CCES), New Zealand Customs Service, United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the Tonga Ministry of Revenue and Customs and Ministry of Trade and Economic Development. Mr. Alipate Tavo, PPIU Trade in Goods Adviser, emphasised the significance of collaboration, saying, “This cooperation is imperative to ensure synergies in capacitating trainers in the Pacific to deliver national and regional capacity building on Rules of Origin under various trade agreements such as PACER Plus, Pacific Islands Countries Trade Agreement, Melanesian Spearhead Group Trade Agreement, Interim Economic Partnership Agreement, and the UK Developing Countries Trading Scheme.” PACER Plus holds enormous potential for the Pacific. However, realising these gains hinges on simplifying RoO for businesses and private sector stakeholders. Properly classifying products under the Harmonised System (HS) is a complex task, and the workshop focused on addressing these challenges. “Stakeholders can better utilise and benefit from duty free and quota free preferences when they understand the RoO, including how to access and undertake the necessary procedure,” said Mr. Tavo. The workshop’s goal was to equip trainers with the knowledge and skills necessary to bridge the existing gaps in training and ensure effective implementation of PACER Plus RoO, contributing to increased utilisation rates and benefits for the region. -END- More articles like this one
Workshop Strengthens Regional Customs Administrations
APIA, Samoa – Today marks the commencement of the Regional Workshop on Harmonised System (HS) in Apia, Samoa. The workshop, jointly organised by the PACER Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU) and the Oceania Customs Organisation (OCO) under the European Union funded Improving Pacific Islands Customs and Trade project implemented in partnership with United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, will run from 21-25 August 2023. The five-day event aims to support Pacific countries in successfully implementing the Harmonised System Nomenclature 2022, the world’s global standard for classifying goods in international trade. Customs administrators and stakeholders from the Pacific met at the PACER Plus Implementation Unit in Apia, Samoa, for the five-day Regional Workshop on Harmonised System. The HS Nomenclature 2022 brought about 351 sets of amendments, posing significant challenges to customs administrations in the Pacific. Only a limited number of Pacific countries, including Fiji, French Polynesia, Nauru, New Caledonia, Niue, the Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and Wallis and Futuna, have successfully implemented HS 2022 to date. This highlights the need for further assistance in the transposition of HS 2022 to retain historical concessions and ensure market access conditions remain unaffected by technical revisions to scheduled tariff commitments. Mr. Roy Lagolago, Head of the PPIU, stated, “The complexity and scale of the HS amendments have presented technical and time-consuming challenges for our members. This workshop is a crucial step in assisting Pacific countries to complete the HS 2022 transposition work by December 2023. It will enable us to enhance the uniformity in the interpretation and application of the HS Nomenclature 2022, fostering greater regional trade facilitation.” The workshop’s main objectives include providing an overview of the Harmonised System, HS 2022 Amendments, and the Pacific Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System (PACHS 22) work. It will also facilitate discussions among members to share progress and experiences in implementing HS 2022 amendments and resolving outstanding issues that may hinder the process. Additionally, technical discussions and reviews will focus on the transposition of PACER Plus Tariff Schedules from HS 2012 to HS 2017. Moreover, the workshop will also raise awareness on the interim Economic Partnership Agreement and its requirements. Mr. John Sam (right), OCO’s Trade and Revenue Management Advisor, greets Mrs. Gianina Harris, Nauru Customs Officer, at the Regional Harmonised System Workshop in Apia, Samoa. Ms. Nancy Oraka, Head of OCO, emphasized, “Collaboration and capacity-building are essential in navigating the complexities of the HS amendments. By working together, we can enhance the efficiency and transparency of customs administrations in the region, ultimately benefiting businesses and consumers alike.” Attending the five-day workshop are customs administrators and stakeholders from the Cook Islands, Fiji, Guam, Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, the Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu. The Regional Workshop on Harmonised System marks a significant step forward in promoting regional economic cooperation and fostering sustainable development in the Pacific. By overcoming challenges and enhancing customs practices, the workshop seeks to create a conducive environment for trade in the region. -END- More articles like this one
Pacific Trade Officials Convene for Trade in Goods Course
Regional trade officials at the Pacific Regional Introductory Trade in Goods Course in Suva, Fiji. Photo: Fiji Government Regional trade officials at the Pacific Regional Introductory Trade in Goods Course in Suva, Fiji. Photo: Fiji Government The five-day capacity-building event, funded by the Australian Government and organised by the University of Adelaide’s Institute for International Trade in collaboration with Fiji’s Ministry for Trade, Cooperatives, Small and Medium Enterprises, and Communication, aims to empower Pacific trade officials with the necessary skills and knowledge to enhance trade relations within the region and beyond. The Course was opened by Hon. Mr. Manoa Kamikamica, Fiji’s Minister for Trade, Cooperatives, Small and Medium Enterprises, and Communications, highlighting the importance of such capacity-building efforts. “Together, we have the opportunity to leverage this training to bolster our collective efforts in regional and multilateral forums, shaping discussions, and advocating for the interests of our region on the international stage. I am confident that the knowledge and skills gained here will empower you all to navigate the complexities of global trade and create lasting positive impacts for our respective economies,” said Hon. Kamikamica. The Pacific Regional Introductory Trade in Goods Course’s primary objective is to provide a refresher on the current state of play in regional and international trade relations. This includes updating technical knowledge of Pacific regional trade agreements and international rules-based trading systems such as the World Trade Organisation. Participation in the course is part of the PPIU’s overall aim to develop Parties to build their trade capacities and allow them to effectively implement their obligations under the multilateral arrangements and regional trade agreements including PACER Plus. -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