PACER Plus partners with SPTO to promote sustainable tourism in the region
VAVA’U, Tonga – The PACER Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU) provided funding support and took part in the Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) meetings held in Vava’u, Kingdom of Tonga, from 20 to 22 October 2025. The three-day gathering included the SPTO Board of Directors Meeting, the Council of Tourism Ministers Meeting, and the Pacific Sustainable Tourism Leadership Summit 2025. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. The meetings brought together Pacific tourism ministers, national tourism directors, private sector representatives, and youth delegates to discuss how the region can build a tourism industry that is sustainable, inclusive, and resilient. As the Pacific’s only trade agreement that covers trade in services, PACER Plus played a vital role in highlighting the importance of trade in services, investment, and labour mobility — all critical enablers of a thriving and sustainable tourism sector. “Trade in services is the backbone of the global economy, accounting for over 60 percent of global GDP, and it’s growing faster than trade in goods. In the Pacific, tourism has become an engine of growth. But to stay strong, it needs to be sustainable, inclusive, and resilient. Creating the right policy environment is key, and this is where PACER Plus can make a real difference.” Dr Alisi Kautoke Holani, Labour Mobility Specialist and Trade in Services and Investment Lead at the PPIU Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. SPTO Chief Executive Officer Mr Christopher Cocker shared this view, thanking PACER Plus for their support and saying that tourism must continue to deliver more than economic benefits. “For tourism to fulfil its full potential across our Blue Pacific Continent, it must not only generate economic value but also reinforce our cultures, empower our youth, and protect our natural environment,” he said. “The policy landscape must support this — enabling connectivity, investment, community-led enterprises, and digital access. Together with partners like PACER Plus, we can ensure that tourism remains an engine of inclusive growth, resilience, and regional identity.” Through its participation, PACER Plus strengthened collaboration with SPTO, Pacific governments, and other development partners to enhance the enabling environment for trade in services and investment. The partnership also supports efforts to improve policy coherence and promote sustainable and digital transformation initiatives across the region. This engagement will contribute to the implementation of the Pacific 2030 Sustainable Tourism Policy Framework and advance shared regional goals under PACER Plus, helping to build stronger, more connected, and more resilient Pacific economies through sustainable tourism and inclusive trade. -ENDS- More articles like this one
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
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
Strengthening Digital Trade Capabilities at Regional Workshop
SUVA, Fiji – The inaugural Pacific Regional Digital Trade Workshop kicked off today in Suva, Fiji, bringing together public and private sector stakeholders from Fiji and Pacific PACER Plus countries. Workshops such as this demonstrates the continued commitment of the Australian Government and the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations Plus (PACER Plus) to support and strengthen the skills and capacity of Pacific Island Countries (PICs) on trade in services, digital trade and e-commerce. The two-day workshop brings together government officials from the eight Pacific PACER Plus countries such as Cook Islands, Kiribati, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu as well as Fiji. With 60 percent of all exports in the region linked to the services sector, services play a key role in the Pacific’s economic growth and development. The two-day workshop aims to support PICs to engage effectively in the fast-evolving digital trade space, understand digital trade and e-commerce provisions, and support countries’ capacity to negotiate and implement these provisions in trade agreements. In the margins of the workshop, a two-day proposal clinic will be delivered to help PACER Plus countries develop bankable project proposals that align with regional and international trade commitments and boost trade in services, e-commerce, and investment in the region. Mr. Shaheen Ali (left), Permanent Secretary to Fiji’s Ministry of Trade, Co-operatives, SMEs and Communications and Mr. Andrew Shepherd, Australian Deputy High Commissioner to Fiji at the .Pacific Regional Digital Trade Workshop. Mr. Shaheen Ali, Permanent Secretary to Fiji’s Ministry of Trade, Co-operatives, SMEs and Communications, opened the workshop, stating: “Workshops and training programmes like these are invaluable in building our capacities and equipping us with the tools needed to better understand the highly technical provisions related to digital trade. As we deepen our knowledge and expertise, we position ourselves to negotiate future agreements with provisions that not only support and facilitate digital trade but also align with our regional interests,” said Mr. Ali. Mr. Andrew Shepherd, Australian Deputy High Commissioner to Fiji, also spoke to the importance of the initiative, saying: “The workshop will continue our trajectory of building a community of practice and peer to peer learning in the Pacific. Also, with the relevant information and a community of practitioners at our fingertips, the world of e-commerce and digital trade is smaller than we think.” -ENDS- More articles like this one
PACER Plus: Enhancing Trade Facilitation in the Region
ALOFI, Niue – The Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER) Plus continues to advance its objective of facilitating trade and investment among its 10 member countries. A critical component of this effort is the integration of customs and postal operation systems, a goal furthered by the recent feasibility study on the interface between the United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD) ASYCUDA World Systems for Customs and the Universal Postal Union (UPU) Customs Declaration System (CDS) for postal operation in Niue. Currently, the lack of integration between customs and postal systems causes delays and inefficiencies in the processing and clearance of international shipments. These challenges hinder the speed and cost-effectiveness of doing business online, affecting both businesses and consumers in the PACER Plus countries. Niue’s Minister for Finance and Infrastructure, Hon. Crossley Tatui (front row, fifth from right) with the Australian High Commissioner to Niue, H.E. Katy Stuart (front row, fourth from right), the New Zealand High Commissioner to Niue, H.E. Mark Gibb (front row, sixth from right), and Niue’s public and private stakeholders. The UPU CDS is a software application designed to enable the exchange of messages between customs and designated operators, allowing customs formalities to be completed before the arrival of postal items. By facilitating electronic data exchange between customs and postal authorities, the interface significantly streamlines the customs clearance process for e-commerce shipments. This advancement reduces the time and cost of doing business online for both businesses and consumers within PACER Plus member countries thus restoring confidence in the use of postal services for sending and receiving goods, especially e-commerce items. The UNCTAD ASYCUDA World system, widely used for customs management, and the UPU CDS, a standard for postal operations, are anticipated to yield significant benefits when integrated. These benefits include enhanced efficiency, transparency, and speed of cross-border trade in the region. Hon. Crossley Tatui, Niue’s Minister for Finance and Infrastructure, expressed his support for the initiative: “The successful integration of customs and postal systems through the PACER Plus agreement marks a significant step forward in facilitating trade and investment in our region. This initiative not only streamlines processes but also enhances transparency and efficiency, ultimately benefiting our businesses and consumers. We are excited to see the positive impact this will have on Niue.” Mr. Roy Lagolago, Head of the PACER Plus Implementation Unit, highlighted the pioneering nature of this initiative: “The rollout of this interface across the Pacific will make our region the first in the world to adopt such a harmonised system. This achievement is testament to the commitment of PACER Plus to leveraging technology to drive economic growth and improve trade facilitation for all PACER Plus members.” -ENDS- More articles like this one
Financial Literacy Training Positively Impacts Solomon Islands Tourism Operators
HONIARA, Solomon Islands – Jeremiah Loleke, owner of the Marovo Sea Lodge in Western Province, Solomon Islands, faced the brunt of the pandemic’s impact, struggling to keep his business afloat. However, thanks to the Introductory Business Management and Financial Literacy Training funded by the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER) Plus, his outlook has shifted. Jeremiah Loleke, owner of the Marovo Sea Lodge in the Western Province, Solomon Islands, is one of 57 businesses who benefited from the Financial Literacy Training funded by PACER Plus. “This training is a first for me. Since I started in the tourism industry, I have not participated in a Financial Literacy Training for tourism operators. This training has taught me the fundamentals which I will use to grow Marovo Sea Lodge,” said Mr. Loleke. Marovo Sea Lodge is one of many accommodations that benefited from this initiative to enhance financial literacy within the tourism sector of the Solomon Islands. This initiative, which commenced last year, aims to build financial management capabilities of local tourism operators, making their businesses more sustainable and increasing their capacity to deliver quality services. In collaboration with the Tourism Division under the Solomon Islands Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the training program focuses on equipping participants with essential bookkeeping skills, promoting effective cash management strategies, and fostering a culture of savings for long-term business sustainability. The training program was delivered over two phases. Phase one, completed in August 2023, saw over 70 participants from beach operators on the western side of Honiara in Guadalcanal Province receive training on fundamental financial literacy skills such as bookkeeping and savings management. Building on this success, phase two delivered training in Marovo Lagoon (Seghe) as well as Gizo and Munda from 7-15 March 2024, targeting managers and administrators from over 50 different lodges and accommodations across Western Province. Managers and administrators from small, formal, and informal eco-lodge and accommodation operators in the Western Province dove into a comprehensive training session on basic bookkeeping, cash management strategies, and fostering a savings-focused mindset for long-term business sustainability. The Solomon Islands’ tourism industry predominantly comprises small, locally owned businesses, constituting 70 percent of the sector, with the remaining 30 percent being foreign-owned enterprises. However, a significant challenge faced by local businesses is the lack of financial literacy and mismanagement due to limited experience and training. Phase two of the training program aims to address these challenges by enhancing the knowledge and skills of business managers and administrators in financial literacy, cash management, and record keeping. By encouraging the utilisation of savings schemes and programs for business growth, the initiative seeks to empower owners to operate more efficiently and sustainably, fostering a greater financial independence within the industry. Mr. Philip Sukibuka, Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, was pleased at the outcome of the training. “The Financial Literacy Training will benefit the accommodation operators in the Western Province and will no doubt benefit the tourism sector in the Solomon Islands. We want to empower these operators with financial management skills to support their businesses. Judging by the overwhelmingly positive feedback we’ve received from the participants; I’m pleased to say that we’ve achieved that. We are grateful for the support from PACER Plus, and we look forward to their continued partnership as we work towards strengthening the tourism sector in Solomon Islands,” said Mr. Sukibuka. -END- More articles like this one
PACER Plus Trade in Services Workshop Fuels Capacity Development in the Region
SUVA, Fiji – The PACER Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU) in collaboration with the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) successfully conducted the Pacific Regional Advanced Trade in Services (TIS) and Project Proposal Workshop from 16-19 January 2024, in Suva, Fiji. This event marks a pivotal point in advancing regional cooperation and empowering Pacific nations to navigate the complexities of services trade. The workshop builds on the foundation of the PPIU’s Introductory TIS Workshop in Samoa in May 2023, and the Pacific Regional Introductory TIS Workshop and Proposal Clinic in Suva in September 2023. Regional participants attend the PACER Plus Advanced Pacific Regional Trade in Services and Project Proposal Workshop in Suva, Fiji. Ms. Olivia Phongkham, PPIU’s Trade in Services and Investment Adviser, expressed enthusiasm about the workshops impact. “This workshop is an exciting event for Pacific Island Countries to maximise the opportunities services trade and investment provides the region. It also allows participants to share their experiences and knowledge with other countries, so that they can learn from each other and help build a community of practice. The discussions on scheduled commitments and digitally enabled services provide valuable insights for our ongoing efforts in the Pacific,” she said. The objective of the Advanced Pacific Regional TIS Workshop is to increase the participants’ understanding of, and capacity to negotiate and implement, Services commitments under PACER Plus and International Trade Agreements. In addition, participants further developed their skills in drafting and finalising bankable project proposals on trade in services, e-commerce, and investment for PACER Plus and international organisations. Mr. Shaheen Ali, Permanent Secretary to the Fijian Ministry of Trade, Co-operatives, SMEs, and Communications. Mr. Shaheen Ali, Permanent Secretary to the Fijian Ministry of Trade, Co-operatives, SMEs, and Communications, emphasised the significance of the initiative. “To grow our trade in services, our private sector needs secure, consistent, and guaranteed access to markets in our region and beyond. Regional and bilateral trade agreements will play an important role in extending the services export market of the Pacific and the world,” he said. Mr. Andrew Shepherd, Acting Deputy High Commissioner at the Australian High Commission in Fiji, highlighted the collaborative efforts involved, saying, “Australia values its partnership with Pacific nations in trade development. The success of this workshop reflects the shared commitment to fostering economic growth and prosperity in the region.” Following the successful conclusion of this workshop, there are tentative plans to run another event later in 2024. -END- More articles like this one
PACER Plus Trade in Services and Investment Clinic Boosts Vanuatu’s Capacity for Economic Development
PORT VILA, Vanuatu – Services play a pivotal role in driving trade integration and fostering economic development in the Pacific, offering unique opportunities for growth. Recognising the potential, the PACER Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU) conducted a Trade in Services and Investment Proposal Clinic in Port Vila, Vanuatu from 16-17 November 2023. The clinic aimed to address the identified capacity gap in Vanuatu, providing crucial support to understand their obligations and maximise the benefits of trade in services and investment. The PACER Plus Trade in Services and Investment Proposal Clinic aimed to address the identified capacity gap in Vanuatu, providing crucial support to understand their obligations and maximise the benefits of trade in services and investment. Preliminary assessments by the PPIU revealed the need for further capacity development to expedite the implementation of the PACER Plus Trade in Services and Investment Chapter. To bridge this gap, the Trade in Services and Investment Proposal Clinic built on the success of the previous clinic held in Apia, Samoa, in May. The Port Vila clinic had a broader focus, facilitating the development of bankable, high-quality, demand-driven project proposals on priority issues at national level. The clinic welcomed Vanuatu officials representing various relevant agencies responsible for trade in services policy, negotiation, and implementation of services commitments. The sessions focused on the critical need to strengthen Vanuatu’s capacity within the framework of PACER Plus. This involved developing strategic, practical, and attainable activity proposals that align with both national priorities and the obligations outlined in PACER Plus Services. Ms. Olivia Phongkham, PPIU Trade in Services and Investment Adviser, highlighted the significances of the initiative: “Services are key to unlocking the full potential of trade and economic development in the Pacific. The Trade in Services and Investment Proposal Clinic exemplifies our commitment to empowering Vanuatu and other PACER Plus parties with the knowledge and skills to enhance trade in services and investment for sustainable growth.” The PACER Plus Trade in Services and Investment Proposal Clinic in Port Vila marked a crucial step forward for Vanuatu in realising the full potential of the PACER Plus agreement. -END- More articles like this one
PACER Plus Empowers Pacific Economies Through E-Commerce Initiatives
Ms. Olivia Phongkham, the Trade in Services and Investment Adviser with the PACER Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU), shared insights on PACER Plus and its e-commerce initiatives at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) E-Commerce Week in Geneva, Switzerland. Ms. Phongkham’s presentation emphasised the transformative potential of e-commerce, digital trade, and the broader digital economy in accelerating economic recovery, fostering resilience, and promoting inclusive development in Pacific Island Countries. The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the pivotal role of technology in enabling businesses to sustain trade operations. E-commerce is a vital tool for businesses, enabling them to surmount physical and economic challenges, foster diversification in goods and services, and enhance market access. Digital and ICT technologies empower micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises and women entrepreneurs to connect with global customers, improve communication within the global and regional value chains, access government e-services, information, and online business training. PPIU’s Trade in Services and Investment Adviser, Ms. Olivia Phongkham (far right), joins other partners on a panel to speak on “Enhancing the Transition from Offline to Online for Small Businesses in the Pacific” at the UNCTAD E-Commerce Week in Geneva. Despite its immense potential, Pacific Island Countries encounter challenges such as weak infrastructure, limited inclusive access to ICT and finance, policy and regulatory gaps, skills shortages, and inefficient trade facilitation. The PACER Plus AUD$25 million Development and Economic Cooperation (DEC) work program aims to address these constraints and bolster regional economic integration and connectivity. The PACER Plus Implementation Unit is actively engaged in collaborative efforts with partner governments, private sectors, and development partners to enhance capacity in the e-commerce sphere. The PACER Plus E-Commerce activities for the financial year 2022-23 include: Cook Islands: Conducted an e-commerce regulatory gap analysis in 2022 and launched the E-Commerce Acceleration Work Plan in September 2023. Kiribati: Validated Kiribati’s E-Commerce Policy in January 2023 through a national consultation involving 47 participants. Samoa: Launched Samoa’s National E-Commerce Strategy in September 2023 in the islands of Upolu and Savai’i. Tuvalu: Undertook an assessment and options analysis for expanding the payment ecosystem for e-commerce in Tuvalu in May 2023. Regional: Collaborated with the Asian Development Bank on a Regional Workshop on Cross Border E-Commerce in in September 2022. Regional: Supported the development and rollout of E-Commerce Business Toolkits to strengthen the start-up ecosystem for MSMEs E-Commerce business ventures in Niue, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu in November 2023. E-commerce and digital trade are pivotal areas for PACER Plus countries to collaborate with regional and global development partners, fostering productivity, entrepreneurship, innovation, job creation, and access to new markets. PACER Plus is committed to supporting stable, secure, and prosperous Pacific economies through deeper regional economic integration, support diversification and access to new trade opportunities. -END- More articles like this one
Cook Islands New E-Commerce Work Plan to Drive Economic Growth and Innovation
RAROTONGA, Cook Islands – The Cook Islands took a significant step towards fostering a dynamic e-commerce ecosystem with the launch of the Cook Islands E-Commerce Acceleration Work Plan. The strategy was funded by the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations Plus (PACER Plus) and aims to drive economic growth, innovation, and job creation in the digital age. Ms. Sally Wyatt (far right), Chief Economist and E-commerce Lead with the Cook Islands Ministry of Finance and Economic Development at the launch of the E-Commerce Acceleration Work Plan. The Cook Islands E-Commerce Acceleration Work Plan was unveiled by the Hon. Mark Brown, Prime Minister of the Cook Islands, in a ceremony held on 23 August 2023, in Avarua. The plan sets forth a comprehensive approach to enhancing the nation’s e-commerce landscape, focusing on collaboration between government and private sector stakeholders. Prime Minister Brown emphasized the transformative potential of the E-Commerce Acceleration Work Plan, stating that the Work Plan “is a significant milestone in our efforts to build a resilient and prosperous economy”. Mr. Roy Lagolago, Head of the PACER Plus Implementation Unit, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative: “PACER Plus is proud to support the Cook Islands in its journey towards a thriving e-commerce ecosystem. This work plan reflects a well-considered strategy that aligns with regional goals and priorities, and we are confident that it will have a positive and lasting impact on the Cook Islands’ economic development.” The Cook Islands E-Commerce Acceleration Work Plan is designed with a phased approach to implementation, focusing on key policy areas that include the legal and regulatory framework, online payments, policies and strategies, ICT infrastructure and services, logistics and trade facilitation, skills development, and access to finance. The work plan is the result of extensive consultations with industry stakeholders, government officials, consumers, and international partners. It also incorporates findings from a comprehensive legal and regulatory analysis, identifying priority reforms to support the growth of the e-commerce sector. The phased activities range from modernising payment systems and adopting cybercrime protections to expanding access to digital infrastructure and promoting consumer protection. The work plan aligns with the Pacific Regional E-Commerce Strategy and Roadmap, ensuring harmonisation with regional efforts. The Cook Islands E-Commerce Acceleration Work Plan aims to empower government, industry, and consumers to collectively contribute to the success of the e-commerce sector. By fostering consumer trust, enhancing digital skills, and driving innovation, the plan is poised to pave the way for a robust and prosperous e-commerce landscape that benefits emerging industries and all Cook Islanders. To read the Cook Islands E-Commerce Acceleration Work Plan click here. -END- More articles like this one