PACER Plus Joint Committee Charts Strategic Path Forward for Pacific Trade and Development
HONIARA, Solomon Islands – The Eighth Meeting of the PACER Plus Joint Committee concluded on Tuesday 6 May 2025 in Honiara, Solomon Islands, bringing together senior government officials from Australia, Cook Islands, Kiribati, New Zealand, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu. Chaired by Ambassador Collin Beck, Permanent Secretary of the Solomon Islands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, the two-day meeting provided a crucial platform for Parties to review progress, reimagine the future of PACER Plus, and strengthen regional economic integration. Senior government officials from the ten PACER Plus Parties gathered in Honiara, Solomon Islands for the Eighth PACER Plus Joint Committee Meeting. Ambassador Beck underscored the significance of PACER Plus in navigating today’s uncertain global trade environment. “PACER Plus was envisioned as a pathway toward deepening economic integration across the Blue Pacific Continent by creating a predictable, rules-based trade environment and unlocking targeted development assistance through the PACER Plus Development and Economic Cooperation (DEC) Work Programme. This meeting was an opportunity to reflect on the past, reimagine the Agreement’s next phase, and ensure it delivers meaningful impact for our people.” Ambassador Collin Beck, Permanent Secretary of the Solomon Islands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade The DEC Work Programme, funded by Australia and New Zealand, is a cornerstone of PACER Plus implementation, designed to support Pacific Island countries in building trade capacity, strengthening industries, and overcoming barriers to economic growth. It provides targeted assistance in areas such as export development, trade facilitation, and skills training, ensuring that Pacific Parties can fully benefit from regional and global trade opportunities. Ms. Natalia Patternot, Director, Department of External Trade with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade in Solomon Islands speaks at the PACER Plus Joint Committee Meeting. The meeting approved high-level strategic priorities for the next DEC Work Programme cycle (2025-2030) commencing the work towards confirming arrangements required for continuation of the DEC Work Programme beyond 2025. Discussions emphasised the need for a sharper focus on export development, value chain strengthening, reducing shipping and logistics costs, and targeted skills development. The meeting also highlighted the importance of private sector engagement, digital trade as a key economic driver, and the alignment of strategic priorities with measurable 2030 targets under the Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning and Adaptation (MELA) Framework. Parties reaffirmed PACER Plus as a vital mechanism for regional economic integration, in line with the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. Expanding membership remains a key priority, with commitments to advocate for new members to join the Agreement. Mr. Alan Armistead, Director of International and Trade Affairs Division with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration Cook Islands speaks at the PACER Plus Joint Committee Meeting. Australia and New Zealand provided updates on the current internal governance reviews required to confirm resourcing for the next DEC Work Programme (2025-2030). Ambassador Beck expressed gratitude on behalf of all Parties: “We deeply appreciate the ongoing commitment of Australia and New Zealand to PACER Plus, both through their current funding and their expressed support for the next phase. Their partnership is instrumental in ensuring Pacific nations can harness trade for sustainable development.” The Joint Committee reaffirmed Parties’ commitment to the rules-based multilateral trading system, with the World Trade Organisation at its core. A joint statement was adopted as follows: “We affirm our commitment to a transparent, non-discriminatory, and open rules-based multilateral trading system which provides certainty and predictability for businesses, builds trust and confidence among consumers, and underpins the growth of international trade and development. In the face of mounting challenges, including disruptions in global supply chains, rising protectionism and climate change, our collective commitment to these principles and the maintenance of trade openness is more crucial than ever,” the statement read. Parties also pledged to uphold a special and differential treatment for Small Island Developing States, ensuring tailored support to safeguard food security, livelihoods, and effective participation in global trade. The outcomes of this meeting will guide the next phase of PACER Plus, ensuring it remains responsive to the needs of the Pacific and delivers tangible benefits for the region. To read the full Eighth PACER Plus Joint Committee Outcome Summary, please click here. -ENDS- More articles like this one
Harvesting Hope: Rose Sosoe’s Journey from Honiara to Marlborough
Rose Sosoe had a simple dream: to provide a better life for her family. As a young mother in Honiara, Solomon Islands, she worked part-time at a local bakery, making ends meet but always hoping for more. With a five-year-old child depending on her, Rose yearned for an opportunity that would allow her to uplift her family’s standard of living. That opportunity came when her sister-in-law introduced her to the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme in New Zealand. This program, established in 2007, connects workers from Asia-Pacific countries with New Zealand’s horticulture and viticulture sectors, addressing labour shortages while offering workers a chance to earn a sustainable income. For Rose, it was a lifeline. “My sister-in-law spoke to me about the RSE scheme, and that got my interest. I knew this was what I wanted to do, so I applied,” Rose recalls in Pijin. Rose Sosoe (pictured) says that the income she earns allows her to send remittances back home, supporting her family and providing a better future for her child. Rose’s determination paid off when she secured a job working on vineyards in New Zealand’s largest wine-growing region, Marlborough. Her employer, Hortus, is a leader in ethical workforce solutions across several regions of New Zealand, focused on support both people and land. Despite her nerves about leaving home – she had never been outside Solomon Islands before – Rose was eager to seize the opportunity. In July 2022, she boarded a plane to New Zealand, ready to work hard for a brighter future. Two years later, Rose reflects on her journey with pride. “I joined Hortus in July 2022, and two years later, I’m grateful to still be part of the team and contributing to Hortus’ success. It’s been a wonderful journey, one that has allowed me to gain meaningful employment and learn new skills. I have also been able to support my now seven-year-old back home in Honiara,” Rose shared. Her experience working in New Zealand has been life changing. The income she earns allows her to send remittances back home, supporting her family and providing a better future for her child. But beyond the financial benefits, Rose has also gained a sense of empowerment and accomplishment. At Hortus, Rose is part of a diverse team, many of whom are also from Pacific nations. Mike Jay, General Manager of Hortus, speaks highly of Rose’s contribution and the value Pacific workers bring to the company. Rose is part of a diverse team at Hortus, a leader in ethical workforce solutions across several regions in New Zealand. “Rose is a valued part of our team, and her hard work embodies the commitment and resilience that Hortus prides itself on. Through the RSE scheme, we’ve been able to build lasting partnerships with skilled workers from Pacific nations, who bring dedication and an incredible work ethic. These relationships are vital – not just for meeting labour needs, but for creating a positive impact on both our business and the lives of the people involved. It’s a partnership that supports growth for everyone,” Jay said. Hortus is one of many New Zealand businesses that have embraced the RSE scheme, not just for the labour it provides but for the meaningful relationships it fosters between the workers and the company. For Rose and her colleagues, it’s more than just a job – it’s a stepping stone toward a better life. “Every day I wake up thankful for this opportunity,” Rose says with a smile. “I’ve learned so much, and I’ve seen how my hard work can make a difference for my family.” -ENDS- More articles like this one
Handover of dehydrator equipment for women-led business in Solomon Islands
Cathliro Commodities, a women-led and locally owned cocoa producer and exporter in Solomon Islands, was officially handed over a food dehydrator machine on Friday 13 September 2024. The new equipment, funded by the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER) Plus Work Programme, is set to enhance the company’s capacity to process and export value-added cocoa products and dried fruits, both domestically and internationally. Diana Yates (far left), Cathliro Commodities founder, with Collin Beck (second from left), Permanent Secretary of Solomon Islands’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade at the dehydrator handover along with Natalia Patternot (third from left), Director of Department of External Trade and Tristein Zutu, PACER Plus National Coordinator Solomon Islands. Cathliro Commodities, founded by Ms. Diana Yates, has been at the forefront of cocoa farming in the country. The company operates on a 99.9-hectare cocoa farm and works closely with local farmers, purchasing cocoa beans for processing and export. Recently, Cathliro has diversified into value-added chocolate products and expanded its operations to include dried fruits such as pineapple, banana, pawpaw, and mango. Speaking at the equipment handover ceremony, Solomon Islands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET) Permanent Secretary Mr. Collin Beck, highlighted the importance of supporting local producers like Cathliro Commodities. “Cathliro’s progress shows the potential of Solomon Islands’ agricultural sector, not only to enhance food security but also to build wealth from within, allowing out growers to integrate meaningfully within the formal economy. “So, we call on everyone to drink more locally produced cocoa disks, purchase more cocoa powder for your baking needs and support our local producers. The food dehydrator will enable Cathliro to maintain and further expand production levels of cocoa,” said Mr. Beck. Mr. Beck highlighted that MFAET recognises the important role of the private sector organisations such as Cathliro in contributing to cocoa development for Solomon Islands alongside its network of almost 200 farmers in Guadalcanal, Isabel, and Makira Provinces. Cathliro Commodities is a women-led and locally owned cocoa producer and exporter in Solomon Islands. He commends Cathliro Commodities for their success in forging connections with new foreign markets for Solomon Islands cacao and downstream processing of their products. He encouraged Solomon Islanders to drink more local cocoa as a substitute to foreign beverage to assist in promoting local businesses like Cathliro Commodities. Ms. Diana Yates, founder of Cathliro Commodities, expressed her excitement at the new opportunities the equipment brings. “This support from PACER Plus is a big win for us. We’ve been working hard to grow our business and help local farmers, but this equipment will allow us to diversity our products, especially for boutique markets overseas and to ensure sustainability in our operations, whatever the weather may be, expanding drying technique capabilities by a larger volume,” said Ms. Yates. The dehydrator machine will help the company increase the volume of processed cocoa products, including cocoa paste, cocoa nibs, cocoa powder, cocoa tea and fruity chocolate bars, in addition to dried fruits. The funding of the food dehydrator aligns with PACER Plus’s Development and Economic Cooperation Work Programme, which aims to promote regional integration and trade development of the parties, including promotion of the participation of women, youth, and marginalised groups in trade and economic activities. Mr. Roy Lagolago, Head of the PACER Plus Implementation Unit, highlighted the regional significance of supporting SMEs to strengthen trade. “PACER Plus exists to help businesses like Cathliro to overcome barriers to trade and access new markets. This equipment will enable them to improve the quality of their products and meet the necessary requirements for international export. By empowering businesses in Solomon Islands, PACER Plus also ensures that trade benefits extend across communities in the Pacific,” said Mr. Lagolago. -ENDS- More articles like this one
Empowering Women Entrepreneurs
Vanuatu’s Lapita Café’s Journey to HACCP Certification A widely respected community leader, Votausi Mackenzie-Reur wears many hats. One she dons proudly is that of founder of Lapita Café, an innovative and fast-growing food manufacturing and catering company in Port Vila, Vanuatu. Lapita Café is breaking barriers and reshaping the culinary landscape in Vanuatu. This International Women’s Day, Lapita Café stands as a testament of advancing women’s economic empowerment in the Pacific. Lapita Café, the pioneering gluten-free cassava flour producer in Vanuatu, has achieved a milestone by obtaining the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) certification. The journey, however, was no walk in the park. Battling the aftermath of cyclones that hampered construction and overcoming numerous challenges, Lapita Café emerged triumphant. https://youtu.be/Bo9IX3T72oU Watch Votausi Mackenzie-Reur’s interview as she talks about Lapita Cafe and why the HACCP certification was crucial for her business. Ms. Mackenzie-Reur’s commitment to excellence led Lapita Café to become the first gluten-free cassava flour producer in Vanuatu with HACCP certification, setting a high standard for others to follow. The certification ensures the highest food safety standards, making Lapita Café’s products not only delicious but also safe for consumers. “Lapita Cafe’s journey to be able to obtain its HACCP certification started in 2021, so it’s been a long time. But we were thankful to PACER Plus because they came in and were able to fund our HACCP certification towards the end of 2023. We’re immensely grateful to PACER Plus for supporting us in this,” said Ms. Mackenzie-Reur. The success story didn’t unfold in isolation. The Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER) Plus, in collaboration with the Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) and the Australia Vanuatu Governance for Growth (GfG) program, played a pivotal role by engaging Vanuatu consulting firm Quality Solutions to develop food safety systems and coordinate a third-party audit in late 2023, a process that added an extra layer of credibility to Lapita Café’s operations. PACER Plus’s support, facilitated through VCCI and Quality Solutions, extends beyond Lapita Café. Four local manufacturers in Vanuatu are currently benefiting from ongoing initiatives to obtain similar international certifications, enhancing Vanuatu’s export advantage. PACER Plus recognises the important role women play in economic development and our capacity building programs to support women entrepreneurs like Ms. Votausi Mackenzie-Reur of Lapita Cafe in Vanuatu. The PACER Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU) recognises the important role women play in economic development and our capacity building programs. Supporting women entrepreneurs like Ms. Mackenzie-Reur is a testament to this. Gender is mainstreamed across PPIU’s operational and governance functions and across PPIU’s work programme. Lapita Café stands tall, not just as a business success but as a beacon of empowerment for women entrepreneurs. Ms. Mackenzie-Reur’s resilience and her company’s achievements underscore the importance of investing in women to accelerate progress and foster economic growth in the Pacific. -END- 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
Women and Trade: Addressing gender disparity in Pacific trade
Women’s economic empowerment is everybody’s business. Sustainable, inclusive development requires that everyone, women included, have equal access to opportunities, employment, education, and services and are equally represented in positions of power and decision making. Women account for half of the world’s population, or as Mao Zedong famously said, ‘women hold up half the sky’, yet, they are still under-represented in decision-making and leadership, have lower labour participation rates and in general, receive lower incomes and pays. In 2021, the World Economic Forum calculated that at current rates, it will take 136 years to reach gender parity and a whopping 268 years to close the economic gender gap between men and women. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has dented efforts to achieve gender parity (with the time estimated until this reached increasing from 99 years in 2020 to 136 years in 2021), the economic gap between men and women was already widening, not narrowing, before the pandemic took hold, and our collective failure to address these disparities is estimated to have cost the world US$70 trillion since 1990. Put another way, if we address these disparities, global GDP could increase by up to US$28 billion by 2025. Pacific Island Countries, because of our geographic isolation, relatively small populations and domestic markets, and limited access to resources, are heavily reliant on international trade to service our domestic consumption needs, for economic and employment growth and for sustainable development. Therefore, it stands to reason that making trading easier, both internationally and intra-regionally, should lead to increasing opportunity and, in theory wealth, for Pacific people. However, to truly realise these benefits it is important to ensure they reach everyone, including the more vulnerable, such as women and people with disabilities. Enter PACER Plus, a unique development-centered trade agreement designed by the Pacific and for the Pacific to stimulate economic growth by becoming more active partners in, and benefit from, regional and global trade. Samoa and eight other countries are currently parties to PACER Plus or the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations Plus. The Agreement is taking steps to address the challenges Pacific women face in trade participation by incorporating gender considerations. PACER Plus calls for capacity-building to implement a trade and gender development policy, assistance for a data collection on women engaged in the primary sectors in agriculture, and assistance to facilitate establishment of women-led industries and investment-related assistance. “This is a critical component of our work, and we continue to explore opportunities with our communities in the Pacific on how we can support and elevate women in the trade space,” said Roy Lagolago, Head of the PACER Plus Implementation Unit in Apia, Samoa. But there’s a great deal of work to be done as there are pronounced, pre-existing gender disparities in labour participation, employment, and income. In Samoa, for example, only 23% of women participate in the labour force, compared to 58% of men (according to The Asia Foundation) and occupational concentration by gender is common across the region, with women’s employment concentrated in the services and informal sectors than men. Most businesses are owned and managed by men, and women-led businesses tend to be smaller, younger, have less capital and under-developed networks, which all serve as barriers to engaging in international trade. Women also have less time to devote to developing their business, traveling to meet with customers and less flexibility to work outside of business hours because they carry most of the household domestic burden. While these barriers prevent women-led businesses from expanding, it is also these smaller, less flexible organisations which stand to benefit the most from reforms to trade policies, greater transparency, digital transformations, and the automation of customs procedures. “We at the PACER Plus Implementation Unit want to ensure that women’s voices are heard in trade. Pacific women’s increased participation in trade would not only benefit them but would benefit our economy and society as well. It’s a win for us all,” said Lagolago. * Melissa Collins is the Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) Adviser with PACER Plus Implementation Unit. For more information on the Agreement, please visit pacerplus.org More articles like this one