PACER Plus Implementation Unit attends FTOM and FTMM in Fiji
SUVA, Fiji – The Forum Trade Officials and Trade Ministers meeting was convened on 16-18 July 2025 in Suva, Fiji, to deliberate on key trade issues affecting the Pacific region, against the backdrop of an increasingly complex global and regional economic landscape. Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to a rules-based multilateral trading system to enhance the region’s gains from international trade. The geographic development challenges of the region further underscored the critical need for increased regional integration through regional initiatives that reflect the region’s collective needs and priorities. These initiatives include the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, the Pacific Roadmap for Economic Development (PRED), and the Pacific Aid for Trade Strategy. The draft Pacific Regional Labour Mobility Principles were also considered as directed by Forum Leaders in 2023. Hon. Peter Shanel Agovaka, Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade of Solomon Islands, delivered a statement on behalf of the PACER Plus Parties, highlighting progress and milestones since the Agreement entered into force in 2020. In his remarks, Hon. Agovaka highlighted the integral role of PACER Plus in promoting regional economic integration through reducing barriers to trade and optimising opportunities in trade in goods, services trade, investment and labour mobility. While reaffirming PACER Plus Parties commitment to a predictable rules-based trading system, Hon. Agovaka also encouraged other Forum members’ accession to PACER Plus to increase the impact of the Treaty and to further deepen regional economic integration in the Pacific. During the meeting, Ministers approved observer status for the PACER Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU) to the Forum Trade Ministers Meeting. The PPIU welcomed this decision as a strategic step towards enhancing regional trade coordination and participation in key regional trade discussions. The PPIU also used the opportunity during the meeting to meet with regional partners to discuss alignment of priorities and collaboration opportunities. -ENDS- More articles like this one
Six Niuean entrepreneurs receive boost for e-commerce growth
ALOFI, Niue – The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS), in partnership with the PACER Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU), is pleased to announce the selection of six Niuean small businesses to receive e-commerce coaching and grant support valued at a total of AU$45,000. The program’s official launch was marked by a virtual kickoff meeting on 3 July 2025 (Niue time), kicking off Phase 2 of the PIFS E-Biz Plus Program in Niue. PIFS Director of Programmes and Initiatives, Mr Zarak Khan highlighted, “This phase builds on last year’s foundation, where we equipped businesses with essential e-commerce tools and training. We’re now investing in six promising Niuean entrepreneurs to help accelerate their growth online, supporting the vision of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent and the Pacific Regional E-commerce Strategy and Roadmap.” Niue Vanilla International, a privately owned Niuean family business, is one of six businesses to receive e-commerce coaching and grant support. One of the selected businesses is Niue Organic Farmers Associations (NIOFA). “At NIOFA, we’re passionate about organic farming and sharing sustainable practices with our community, especially the next generation. Our goal is to educate, inspire, and open pathways to overseas markets through storytelling and digital outreach.” Jamal Talagi, Head of NIOFA said, “We’re truly grateful for this opportunity, which will help us strengthen our message, grow our visibility, and promote Niue’s unique values to the world.” Apart from NIOFA, the selected businesses represent a diverse and dynamic cross-section of Niue’s economy: Niue Vanilla International – A small family business producing quality Niue vanilla, and seeking to expand reach and improve access for overseas customers through website upgrade and establishing a mirror site, to help with overseas payments and better promote Niue. Mrs Sena’s Crafts – A creator of authentic Niuean handicrafts like hats, earrings and mats. Through the program, the business plans to rebrand to build a legacy, on that shares the story of their journey. Additionally, the businesses seek to obtain strategic marketing support capitalising on its social media presence. Ebony Carvings – A maker of handcrafted wood jewellery and artistic carvings, with a goal to grow the business and expand its reach in the handicraft sector through its social media platforms. Lupe Niue – Lupe Niue is planning to launch an online store to make products like banana chips more accessible and boost direct sales to customers. Bohnz Infotech – An emerging provider of electronics and IT services, planning to formally its services, through establishing a retail outlet and online platforms, and implementing strategic marketing strategies. PPIU provided AU$100,000 to support Phase 2 of the PIFS E-Biz Plus program, involving e-commerce coaching and grant scheme in Niue. This project builds on previous joint efforts between PPIU and PIFS to support Pacific businesses in the digital economy, following the successful rollout of Phase 1 of the PIFS E-Biz Plus program in Vanuatu, Tonga, and Niue in 2024, involving the development of e-commerce business toolkits and training workshops. “At the heart of PACER Plus is a commitment to inclusive economic growth across the Pacific,” said Dr. Alisi Holani, Trade in Services and Investment Adviser and Labour Mobility Specialist. “We’re proud to support Niue’s small businesses in embracing digital tools that allow them to compete beyond their shores, reduce trade costs, and improve profitability.” PACER Plus, a unique regional trade agreement between Niue, seven Pacific Island countries, Australia, and New Zealand, was designed to drive economic growth and improve the livelihoods of Pacific peoples. For Niue, PACER Plus represents access to a broader market, targeted development assistance, and a platform for economic resilience in an increasingly connected world. Through this next phase of the PIFS E-Biz Plus, these six MSMEs will receive personalised coaching and financial assistance to help them grow their businesses and tap into new opportunities in the digital economy. -ENDS- More articles like this one
PACER Plus Delivers Over $89,000 in Farming Equipment to Boost Agriculture Sector
APIA, Samoa – Samoan farmers received a major boost today with the official handover of more than WST$89,000 (AU$50,000) worth of farming and processing equipment to the Samoa Farmers Association (SFA), thanks to support from the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER) Plus. The new equipment – ranging from coffee bean roasters and electric winnowers to taro chippers, multi-use grinders, tillers, ground drillers, brushcutters and chainsaws – is part of the broader project aimed at empowering Samoa’s farming community through increased productivity, improved livelihoods, and stronger market linkages. Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Niuava Eti Malolo. SFA, which represents more than 1,000 farmers across Samoa – including women’s groups, church-based farming collectives, and youth enterprises – will roll out this support through its Empowering Agriculture Project. The project focuses on equipping farmers with the tools they need to improve both the quantity and quality of their produce, enabling greater access to domestic, regional, and international markets. Speaking at the handover ceremony, the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Niuava Eti Malolo, acknowledged the significance of the initiative, highlighting its alignment with Samoa’s broader trade and development aspirations. “For Samoa, the PACER Plus Agreement opens doors to new avenues in trade and investment. It aids in refining our systems and standards, enabling more of our local products to meet international market requirements. This is especially significant for agriculture – a sector that remains the backbone of our economy and a vital source of income for many Samoan families.” Hon. Niuava Eti Malolo, Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries. Mr. Roy Lagolago, Head of the PACER Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU), said the initiative aligns with PACER Plus’s development goals of enabling Pacific farmers and small businesses to participate more effectively in trade. “PACER Plus was designed with a vision of driving economic growth and improving the livelihoods of people in the Pacific Island nations,” said Mr. Lagolago. “Through fostering an environment conducive to trade and investment, it enhances regional cooperation and broadens our access to international markets. Today’s handover is a reflection of that mission in action.” PACER Plus supported the project through its Development and Economic Cooperation (DEC) Work Programme, funded by the Australian and New Zealand governments, which assists Pacific Island countries in implementing the PACER Plus Agreement and unlocking trade-related development benefits. Samoa Farmers Association president, Sala Sagato Tuiafiso. SFA President Mr. Sala Sagato Tuiafiso expressed his appreciation for the support and said it will have a lasting impact on the agricultural sector. “Our farmers are the backbone of Samoa’s economy, and this equipment is timely,” said Mr. Sagato. “It will improve how we process, preserve, and present our crops for market. We are especially proud that this support will reach those who need it most – women, youth, and rural farmers – ensuring no one is left behind.” The SFA will work closely with the PPIU to monitor the use and impact of the equipment, supported by a quarterly reporting process and follow-up surveys with farmers and stakeholders. This collaborative approach will help measure tangible outcomes such as increased productivity, improved quality, and access to new markets. The Empowering Agriculture Project also includes plans for future capacity building initiatives, strengthening farmers’ knowledge in sustainable farming practices, post-harvest handling, and business development. -ENDS- More articles like this one