New Biosecurity Equipment to Support Tonga’s Trade and Food Safety Systems
NUKU’ALOFA, Tonga – Tonga’s ability to protect its people, environment, and trade is set to strengthen with the official handover of vital biosecurity and quarantine equipment funded by the PACER Plus trade agreement’s Development and Economic Cooperation (DEC) Work Program. The new tools — valued at AU$185,350 or TOP$288,003 — are designed to enhance Tonga’s sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) systems and include a digitised Quarantine Management Information System with IT infrastructure, a state-of-the-art fumigation chamber, protective gear, inspection tools, and an incinerator to safely manage imports and exports. Tonga’s Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forests, Hon. Siosiua Moala Halavatau (left) and the Head of the PACER Plus Implementation Unit, Mr. Roy Lagolago signs the Contribution Agreement during the official handover in Nuku’alofa, Tonga. This equipment will help Tonga meet international SPS standards, ensuring continued and expanded access to key export markets such as Australia and New Zealand. Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forests, Hon. Siosiua Moala Halavatau, welcomed the handover, describing it as a step forward for Tonga’s agricultural and trade sectors. “This is not just a handover of tools. It’s a handover of confidence for our farmers, for our exporters, and for our consumers. Tonga is committed to meeting the highest international standards for food safety and plant and animal health. With this support from PACER Plus, we are better equipped to ensure the quality and safety of our exports, protect our environment, and grow our economy.” Hon. Siosiua Moala Halavatau, Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forests Head of the PACER Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU), Mr. Roy Lagolago, praised the collaborative nature of the initiative. “The PPIU is proud to partner with PHAMA Plus in delivering the fumigation chamber, an important piece of infrastructure that will directly benefit Tongan exporters. This partnership recognises the work that PHAMA Plus is already doing in Tonga and also avoids duplication of efforts and resources. The PHAMA Plus work in facilitating market access for Pacific produce to Australia and New Zealand is important and is a conduit for increased trade under PACER Plus,” said Mr. Lagolago. Tonga’s Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forests, Hon. Siosiua Moala Halavatau (left) with the Head of the PACER Plus Implementation Unit, Mr. Roy Lagolago at the official handover in Nuku’alofa, Tonga. Tongan exporters, many of whom face strict market access requirements, say the equipment couldn’t come at a better time. “Our work involves exporting watermelon to New Zealand. Previously, we faced significant challenges with fumigation, often having to collaborate with another exporter for this process. This new equipment is a considerable asset because its large fumigation chamber will greatly expedite the fumigation process, making our work much more efficient.” Ms. Seini Tu’ivai, Senior Assistant Secretary for the Exporter Division at Tonga’s Ministry of Trade and Economic Development The handover forms part of PACER Plus’s mission to build sustainable capacity across the region, ensuring Pacific Island countries are not only connected to markets but also equipped to meet the standards and seize the opportunities that come with it. -ENDS- More articles like this one
Pacific Trade Strengthened as Regional Workshop Concludes in Honiara
HONIARA, Solomon Islands – The Pacific Regional Advanced Trade in Goods Workshop, a key event aimed at strengthening trade capacity in the Pacific, has successfully concluded. The three-day workshop, held from 12-14 August 2024, was organised through a partnership between the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and the PACER Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU). Mr. Colin Beck (center), Permanent Secretary of Solomon Islands’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade with Mr. Andrew Schloeffel (fifth from left), Australian Deputy High Commissioner to Solomon Islands and government officials from PACER Plus Pacific countries at the Pacific Regional Advanced Trade in Goods Workshop in Honiara, Solomon Islands. The workshop brought together government officials from Cook Islands, Kiribati, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu to deepen their understanding of the rules-based trading system, World Trade Organisation (WTO) structures, agreements, and the challenges and opportunities they present to Pacific Island countries. Participants also explored the intricacies of multilateral and regional trade agreements, including PACER Plus, and their applications within the region. Mr. Colin Beck, Permanent Secretary of Solomon Islands’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade. In his opening remarks, Mr. Colin Beck, Permanent Secretary of Solomon Islands’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, highlighted the significance of PACER Plus supporting customs automation and improvement in biosecurity measures in Solomon Islands. “PACER Plus has the potential to be a powerful tool for our development, but it is crucial that its initiatives are country-initiated and country-led. There is an opportunity to strengthen delivery of PACER Plus initiatives, ensuring it truly meets the needs of our people.” Colin Beck, Permanent Secretary of Solomon Islands’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade Mr. Andrew Schloeffel, Australian Deputy High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, highlighted the role of trade in driving sustainable growth and economic resilience in the Pacific. “Under PACER Plus, all member countries have tariff and quota-free access to Australia. This covers all product lines — 100 percent of products exported enter Australia duty-free. And this commitment will continue irrespective of the development status of each member country.” Andrew Schloeffel, Australian Deputy High Commissioner to Solomon Islands The workshop is part of broader capacity-building efforts for the Pacific region, designed to enhance the understanding of trade-related issues and support the economic integration of Pacific Island countries into the global trading system. -ENDS- More articles like this one
Customs officers upskill to improve cross border e-commerce
NADI, Fiji – Customs officials from 16 Pacific countries are gathering in Nadi, Fiji this week for a five-day workshop (17-21 March) to understand the World Customs Organisation (WCO) tools and initiatives aimed at facilitating and securing cross-border e-commerce. The workshop, co-hosted by the Oceania Customs Organisation (OCO) and the PACER Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU), brings together 25 participants from American Samoa, Australia, Cook Islands, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Northern Marianas, Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Niue, Nauru, Samoa, Solomon Islands, New Caledonia, Guam, Tonga and Tuvalu. Experts from Japan Customs are also co-facilitating the sessions. Customs officials from 16 Pacific countries are Fiji this week for a five-day workshop to understand the WCO tools and initiatives aimed at facilitating and securing cross-border e-commerce. “This workshop directly supports our mission to enhance economic integration and sustainable development in the Pacific through PACER Plus. While customs administrations address the regulatory aspects, PACER Plus is also focused on helping Parties to enhance legislative framework on ecommerce and support Pacific businesses seize the opportunities of digital trade. We are helping customs officers understand both sides of e-commerce thereby creating pathways for Pacific products to reach global markets while maintaining appropriate safeguards.” Roy Lagolago, Head of the PPIU E-commerce in the Pacific has grown by over fifty per cent since 2020, with around thirty per cent of Pacific Islanders now regularly shopping online, according to the Pacific E-commerce Assessment Report and the Pacific Regional E-commerce Strategy and Roadmap. A 2024 OCO Gap Analysis, supported by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and funded by the European Union, showed that small parcel shipments to the region have increased by over 200 per cent in the past three years. Approximately 85 per cent of these packages are valued under US$100, posing challenges for customs administrations. Some major ports now process up to 5,000 small e-commerce parcels daily, as per WCO regional data. “As customs officials, our primary concern is implementing international standards that facilitate legitimate trade while protecting our borders. This workshop focuses on the eight guiding principles of the WCO Framework of Standards for Cross-Border E-Commerce, which provides our members with a harmonised approach to this growing trade channel.” Nancy T. Oraka, Head of Secretariat for OCO Participants visited the DHL facility in Nadi gaining a better understanding of e-commerce logistics and the partnership between customs and private sector players. This is the first regional workshop focused on building capacity for implementing the WCO Framework of Standards for Cross-Border E-Commerce in the Pacific context. Both PPIU and OCO are one of the implementing agencies of the Pacific Regional E-Commerce Strategy and Roadmap, under Priority Area Three on Trade Logistics and Trade Facilitation. Participants explored advanced processing systems to manage the surge in small consignments and targeted risk assessment methods to identify potentially dangerous or illegal shipments while ensuring the smooth flow of legitimate goods. They also examined strategies for applying effective, efficient, scalable and flexible revenue collection models for low-value imports, tailored to national circumstances – a key challenge for Pacific nations. The workshop featured insights from key stakeholders, including the WCO, Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, UNCTAD, DHL Express, and Siuhuu Online Marketplace, highlighting the importance of public-private collaboration in cross-border e-commerce. Participants also visited the DHL facility in Nadi gaining a better understanding of e-commerce logistics and the partnership between customs and private sector players. Drawing from their experiences and challenges, participants will develop national and regional action plans to guide OCO members in their implementation of international standards for cross-border e-commerce. “The knowledge and strategies developed during this workshop will strengthen not just individual administration but our collective regional approach to e-commerce,” added Ms. Oraka. “As our digital economy continues to grow, customs administrations must evolve to facilitate legitimate trade while addressing emerging risks.” -ENDS- More articles like this one
Tonga develops a Tourism Roadmap to revitalise and regenerate tourism development
NUKU’ALOFA, Tonga – Tourism is a pivotal industry for Tonga generating over TOP18million of GDP in 2022 and is anticipated to grow to TOP88 million by 2033. The industry, however, has been severely affected firstly by the COVID-19 pandemic and then by the volcanic eruption and tsunami in 2022. The country is committed to revitalising tourism development guided by a new Tonga Tourism Roadmap for 2025-2030. Mr. Viliami Takau, CEO of Tonga’s Ministry of Tourism, speaking at the National Tourism Forum in Nuku’alofa. Tonga’s Tourism Roadmap will guide the revitalisation of the country’s tourism industry and unlock its potential to stimulate sustainable growth. Climate change adaptation is a fundamental element of the Roadmap to ensure that tourism growth is both resilient and sustainable, enabling Tonga to protect its natural assets and communities in the face of environmental challenges. Special attention is also given to e-commerce and investment as key drivers to elevate tourism development in the next five years. The development of the Roadmap commences with the National Tourism Forum organised by the Ministry of Tourism in Nuku’alofa on 13-14 March 2025 with participation by national tourism public and private sector representatives as well as regional and international tourism experts. “Tourism is a critical sector for Tonga’s economy, and the Roadmap will be instrumental in guiding the Ministry as well as key stakeholders on how best we can tap into potential of tourism to drive sustainable development for Tonga. The National Tourism Forum this week will be an opportunity to hear from our partners to ensure that the Roadmap is inclusive of all stakeholder priorities and reflects a coordinated strategy for growing the tourism sector in the next five years.” Viliami Takau, CEO of Tonga’s Ministry of Tourism Siosaia Moehau, President of the Tonga Tourism Association, also commented on the significance of the Roadmap. Her Royal Highness Princess Salote Mafile’o Pilolevu Tuita, Patron of the Tonga Tourist Association, delivers the keynote address at the National Tourism Forum in Nuku’alofa. “Tourism’s potential to drive private sector led growth in Tonga is still very much untapped. Tonga’s vulnerability to climate change and natural disasters have only constrained our efforts to grow tourism. We are excited to work alongside the Ministry of Tourism and other key stakeholders, with the technical support of ITC, to develop this Roadmap and ensure its implementation.” Siosaia Moehau, President of the Tonga Tourism Association The Roadmap is an initiative of the Government of Tonga, supported within the framework of the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER) Plus Development and Economic Cooperation Work Programme, funded by the Governments of Australia and New Zealand and managed by the PACER Plus Implementation Unit. It is developed with the technical support of the International Trade Centre (ITC), a joint agency of the United Nations and the World Trade Organization, fully dedicated to enhancing trade competitiveness and the economic transformation of MSMEs in developing countries. The National Tourism Forum is scheduled for 13-14 March 2025 at the Fa’onelua Convention Centre in Nuku’alofa. ITC’s partnership with PACER Plus and Tonga is integral part of its support to Pacific countries in diversifying their economies, strengthening MSMEs, boosting international competitiveness, promoting digitalisation and enhancing climate resilience. Sylvie Bétemps Cochin, Chief of the Office for Asia and the Pacific of ITC, praised the collaboration. “We are thrilled about this project and the significant value it brings to Tonga’s tourism industry and local communities. We are also proud to partner with PACER Plus to make this initiative a success,” said Ms. Bétemps Cochin. The Roadmap is expected to be finalised by October 2025, through participatory and unified approach, involving a series of consultations and workshops with partners across the public and private sectors. -ENDS- More articles like this one
PACER Plus Talanoa Concludes with Commitments to Strengthen Pacific Economies
APIA, Samoa – The Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER) Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU) hosted the second Revenue Mobilisation Talanoa for PACER Plus Signatories this week in Apia, Samoa. The Talanoa brought together senior officials from customs, tax administrations, and finance ministries across the Pacific to address the challenges and opportunities of revenue mobilisation in the context of trade liberalisation under PACER Plus. Representatives from the Cook Islands, Kiribati, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Nauru attended the four-day event, which ran from 25-28 February 2025. Representatives from the Cook Islands, Kiribati, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Nauru attended the four-day Talanoa, which ran from 25-28 February 2025. The Talanoa, which follows the inaugural Revenue Mobilisation Talanoa held in Nadi, Fiji, in February 2024, focused on improving indirect revenue mobilisation through efficient taxation, broadening the tax base, and closing the tax gap. Participants explored short-term actions and long-term structural reforms needed to enhance revenue administration and collection. Mr. Alipate Tavo, Trade Adviser at PPIU and moderator of the workshop, highlighted the importance of the Talanoa in addressing the region’s unique challenges. “The PACER Plus Agreement has brought economic opportunities to the Pacific, but it has also highlighted the need for robust revenue mobilisation strategies. This Talanoa has been a critical platform for sharing experiences, identifying best practices, and developing actionable plans to ensure that our countries can adapt to the changing economic landscape while maintaining fiscal stability.” Mr. Alipate Tavo For Samoa, where customs duties account for a significant portion of government revenue, the stakes are particularly high. Mr. Magotaamu Salanoa, the Principal Customs Officer-Trade with Samoa’s Ministry of Customs and Revenue, stressed the importance of collaboration and knowledge-sharing. “Samoa, like many Pacific countries, relies on customs duties for revenue. The discussions here have been invaluable in helping us identify practical solutions to mitigate revenue losses while exploring new opportunities to diversify our tax base. The insights gained from this Talanoa will guide our efforts to strengthen Samoa’s economic resilience.” Mr. Magotaamu Salanoa Ms. Pipiena Tanaki, the Deputy CEO of Tonga’s Ministry of Revenue and Customs. Ms. Pipiena Tanaki, the Deputy CEO of Tonga’s Ministry of Revenue and Customs, shared her perspective on the role of technology in improving revenue collection. “Modernising our customs systems and leveraging technology is important for improving efficiency and accuracy in revenue collection. This workshop has reinforced the importance of investment in capacity building and digital solutions to address the administrative gaps in our tax systems.” Ms. Pipiena Tanaki The workshop featured sessions on key topics such as the role of customs administrations in collecting Value Added Tax (VAT) and Goods and Services Tax (GST), the impact of trade liberalisation on revenue, and strategies for optimising revenue through tax policies. Understanding the impacts of tax expenditures on revenue collection and good tax administration practice to improve revenue collection were also covered. Additionally, participants discussed the challenges of cross-border e-commerce, valuation issues, and the need for regional cooperation to address complex revenue mobilisation challenges. The Revenue Mobilisation Talanoa has been organised in collaboration with the Pacific Financial Technical Assistance Center, the Pacific Islands Tax Administration Association, the Oceania Customs Organisation, and the International Monetary Fund. “As we implement PACER Plus, our customs administrations must evolve to meet new revenue collection challenges. This Talanoa provides a vital platform for Pacific customs agencies to share practical solutions and strengthen our regional approach to revenue mobilisation while facilitating trade modernisation.” Ms. Nancy Oraka, Head of the Oceania Customs Organisation (OCO). The Revenue Mobilisation Talanoa has been organised in collaboration with the Pacific Financial Technical Assistance Center, the Pacific Islands Tax Administration Association, the OCO, and the International Monetary Fund. The workshop’s outcomes will contribute to the development of a comprehensive roadmap for revenue mobilisation across the Pacific, ensuring that PACER Plus signatories can continue to fund essential services while promoting economic growth. The Talanoa, which concluded today (28 February), provided an opportunity to explore revenue mobilisation in the context of the impacts of PACER Plus but the need for revenue to fund the social and economic needs of countries is ever present. -END- More articles like this one
PPIU Contributes to CHOGM 2024 in Samoa
The PACER Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU) played a role in promoting trade and economic growth across the Pacific at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2024, held in Apia, Samoa from 21-26 October. Mr. Roy Lagolago, Head of the PPIU, spoke at the Commonwealth Business Forum, a CHOGM side event, delivering insights on the theme of “Reducing Barriers to Trade”. His address emphasised PACER Plus’s contributions to fostering sustainable economic growth, increasing trade opportunities, and empowering Pacific businesses to thrive in a competitive global market. Mr. Roy Lagolago, Head of the PPIU, meeting His Majesty King Charles III, the King of the United Kingdom and Head of the Commonwealth. This year’s Commonwealth Business Forum focused on the theme “One Resilient Common Future: Transforming Our Common Wealth,” exploring key pillars such as access to finance, technological innovation, sustainability, and workforce transformation. Mr. Lagolago highlighted how PACER Plus is helping Pacific Island nations navigate these critical areas by providing the tools needed to overcome trade barriers, enhance market access, and promote sustainable development. In addition to his speech at the forum, Mr. Lagolago participated in several high-profile events on the margins of CHOGM 2024. One of these was the unveiling of the Commonwealth Investment Action Plan–a major initiative aimed at increasing trade and investment among Commonwealth nations. The plan is particularly focused on helping small and vulnerable states attract investment and meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. It complements other Commonwealth initiatives, including the Commonwealth Blue Charter and the Climate Finance Access Hub, which are essential to addressing climate change and fostering resilience across member states. The PPIU was honoured to host bilateral discussions for Mr. Anthony Albanese (third from left), the Australian Prime Minister and other Commonwealth nations at our office in Apia, Samoa during the CHOGM 2024. Mr. Lagolago also attended the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council and Sustainable Markets Initiatives CEO-Leaders Event, where he met His Majesty King Charles III. These discussions highlighted the importance of collaboration between the private sector and governments in addressing global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity, and inequality, while advancing the development aspirations of Commonwealth member states. More articles like this one
Tuvalu customs transformation success
Tuvalu has made significant strides in improving its customs processes with the support of PACER Plus. With the introduction of the ASYCUDA World system, Tuvalu has transformed how it manages customs. Ms. Sania Teisini (middle), Director of Tuvalu’s Department of Revenue and Customs. “What used to take days to assess and clear customs entries now takes less than 24 hours,” Ms. Sania Teisini, Director of Tuvalu’s Department of Revenue and Customs explained. ASYCUDA World has also enhanced transparency and accuracy, proving clear, detailed records of transactions. Implementing this system required legislative updates, which PACER Plus supported through national consultations. Additionally, PACER Plus supported customs staff training in the harmonised system and Rules of Origin, boosting their expertise and operational capacity. Aerial view of Tuvalu. With ASYCUDA World, Tuvalu has surpassed its revenue targets by nine percent, collecting AU$12 million in 2023. “PACER Plus has been immensely beneficial for Tuvalu and her people,” said Ms. Teisini. “It’s always a comfort to know that PACER Plus is always there.” -ENDS- More articles like this one
Regional Workshop on Skills Development Underway in Samoa
APIA, Samoa – The Regional Workshop on Skills Development commenced yesterday (8 July) in Apia, Samoa. This workshop is part of an ongoing commitment to ensure that the PACER Plus Agreement and Arrangement on Labour Mobility are responsive to the development needs of Parties, specifically in the area of skills development. The PACER Plus Arrangement on Labour Mobility (ALM), a regional framework signed in 2017 by Australia, Cook Islands, Kiribati, Nauru, New Zealand, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu, aims to strengthen labour mobility cooperation. The framework operates alongside the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER) Plus agreement. The 2022 Pacific Labour Mobility Annual Meeting (PLMAM) directed an independent evaluation of the ALM, which was then completed in December 2023. The Review highlighted the critical importance of skills development for sustainable economic development in the region and the need to strengthen the ALM to support skills development and the generation of net skills gains for Pacific labour sending countries. The Regional Workshop on Skills Development had over 40 participants including qualifications officials, trade and labour mobility officials as well as private sector representatives from the 10 PACER Plus countries. The Regional Workshop on Skills Development, taking place from 8-12 July 2024, is an initial forum that aims to inform the design of the new ALM and the broader PACER Plus work programme. It brings together over 40 participants including qualifications officials, trade and labour mobility officials as well as private sector representatives from the 10 PACER Plus countries, including Australia, Cook Islands, Kiribati, New Zealand, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu. Representatives from the Pacific Community’s Educational Quality and Assessment Programme (SPC-EQAP), International Labour Organisation (ILO), and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM). Dr. Opeti Pulotu, CEO of Tonga National Qualifications Authority Board speaks at the Regional Workshop on Skills Development. Dr. Opeti Pulotu, CEO of Tonga National Qualifications Authority Board, emphasised the importance of aligning qualifications frameworks to meet both domestic and international skill needs: “By harmonising our qualifications frameworks with both national and international skill demands, we can ensure that our workforce is exceptionally equipped for local opportunities while remaining highly competitive on the global stage.” Ms. Lita Lui, CEO of the Samoa Chamber of Commerce and Industry, highlighted the importance of private sector engagement in the design and implementation of skills training: “Engaging the private sector in the design and implementation of the National Workforce Plan is vital to ensure that industry demand is met. When businesses are involved in shaping this Plan and its training programs, we can create a workforce that is ready to meet the current and future needs of the market.” Ms. Lita Lui, CEO of the Samoa Chamber of Commerce and Industry, highlighted the importance of private sector engagement in the design and implementation of skills training at the Regional Workshop of Skills Development. Over the course of the five-day workshop, participants will engage in interactive sessions, group work, and discussions. Key topics that will be covered include the alignment of skills training systems to skills needs, both domestic and labour mobility demands, qualifications recognition, the role of labour mobility in skills development, and finding solutions for issues such as brain drain. This workshop is a step towards ensuring that the PACER Plus ALM not only enhances labour mobility but also supports sustainable livelihoods and economic development across the Pacific region. -ENDS- 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
PACER Plus supports Samoan farmers increase exports with harvesting bins
The PACER Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU) today handed over 180 harvesting bins to Samoa’s Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. The harvesting bins will assist Samoan farmers by minimizing post-harvest damage and loss of produce harvested for export. Loss and damage of harvested commodities at the farm and during transportation to cleaning and processing facilities is one of the major challenges and prevailing issues for local produce prepared for export. This is mainly due to lack of appropriate containers or bins used to transport produce from farm to processing and cleaning facilities. “We’re here to support Samoa and other PACER Plus parties in minimizing post-harvest damage and loss. This will result in increasing exportable volume of local produce which would support our families and communities as well as stimulate business activity in Samoa,” said Mr. Roy Lagolago, Head of the PPIU. This support is part the PPIU’s Sanitary and Phytosanitary-related technical assistance and capacity building activities to PACER Plus Parties. Samoa’s Associate Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Maiava Fuimaono Tito Asafo expressed his gratitude to PPIU. “Agriculture is a crucial industry in Samoa. We are, therefore, grateful for the commitment from partners such as the PACER Plus Implementation Unit towards the development of the agriculture sector and the support of our farmers,” said Mr. Asafo. 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. Nine countries are currently parties to the Agreement: Australia, Cook Islands, Kiribati, New Zealand, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, and Tuvalu. -END- Image Caption: Roy Lagolago (left), Head of the PACER Plus Implementation Unit, hands over 180 harvest bins to Hon. Maiava Fuimaono Tito Asafo, Samoa’s Associate Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries on Monday 25, July 2022. More articles like this one