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
PACER Plus Joint Committee to Convene in Honiara for Critical Talks on Regional Economic Cooperation
HONIARA, Solomon Islands – Senior officials from across the Pacific will gather in Honiara next week for the eighth meeting of the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER) Plus Joint Committee, set to take place on 5-6 May 2025. The meeting will be chaired by Mr. Collin Beck, Permanent Secretary of the Solomon Islands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, and will bring together representatives from Australia, Cook Islands, Kiribati, New Zealand, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu. The two-day meeting will focus on reviewing progress under the PACER Plus agreement, including updates on the implementation of the 2024-2025 annual work plan. The Samoa-based PACER Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU), led by Mr. Roy Lagolago, will provide a detailed report on ongoing activities supporting the treaty’s objectives, particularly under the Development and Economic Cooperation (DEC) Work Programme and the Arrangement on Labour Mobility. Senior officials from across the Pacific will meet in Honiara, Solomon Islands for the two-day PACER Plus Joint Committee Meeting reviewing progress under the PACER Plus agreement, including updates on the implementation of the 2024-2025 annual work plan. Australia and New Zealand have been key partners in supporting PACER Plus, jointly committing AU$25 million in October 2021 to fund the DEC Work Programme, which is managed by the PPIU. This funding, set to conclude in December 2025, has been instrumental in strengthening regional trade integration and addressing the unique development challenges faced by Pacific Island nations. Discussions at the meeting will include the potential extension of the DEC Work Programme to ensure continued progress. “PACER Plus is more than a trade agreement — it’s a commitment to sustainable development and shared prosperity across the Pacific. This meeting is an opportunity to assess our achievements, address challenges, and plan for the future, ensuring that the benefits of regional economic integration reach all our communities.” Roy Lagolago, Head of the PPIU PACER Plus was designed with a strong emphasis on supporting the Pacific Parties’ participation in international trade while addressing their distinct vulnerabilities and capacity constraints. The agreement recognises the critical role of regional cooperation in fostering long-term socio-economic development. The outcomes of the Joint Committee meeting will help shape the next phase of PACER Plus implementation, reinforcing its role as a cornerstone of Pacific economic resilience and integration. -ENDS- More articles like this one
Trade Information Portal Streamlines Pacific Trade Processes
APIA, Samoa – The PACER Plus Regional Workshop on Trade Information Portals (TIPs) commenced on Tuesday 4 June in Apia, Samoa. This workshop aims to enhance the accessibility of trade-related information for PACER Plus countries to increase their regulatory transparency in trade and investment-related capacity to reach the standards set out in PACER Plus. A TIP is a one-stop website where countries can access information on trade import and export procedures, laws, and regulations, for engaging in international trade. This platform makes complex trade procedures understandable by displaying them step-by-step from start to finish, from a trader’s point of view. Government officials from PACER Plus parties – Cook Islands, Kiribati, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, and UNCTAD – were present at the Regional Workshop on Trade Information Portals in Apia, Samoa. The Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER) Plus is a unique trade agreement designed to raise living standards, create jobs, and boost exports from Pacific Island countries. By lowering trade barriers, PACER Plus provides greater certainty for businesses operating in the Pacific region. Julian Fraga-Campos, Economic Affairs Officer at the UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), is leading the training sessions. “The establishment of Trade Information Portals is crucial for increasing transparency, enhancing predictability and facilitating smoother trade processes within the PACER Plus framework,” said Mr. Fraga-Campos. Alipate Tavo (left), PACER Plus Implementation Unit’s Trade and Investment Adviser, speaks at the closing of the Regional Workshop on Trade Information Portals with Julian Fraga-Campos, Economic Affairs Officer at the UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD). Government officials from PACER Plus parties – Cook Islands, Kiribati, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu – were present at the workshop. The workshop focuses on the creation of capacity among government officials for the implementation, management and sustainability of TIPs, as well as in providing training on notifications send through Contact Points and awareness of its obligations to ensure that all PACER Plus countries are informed and able to comply with the agreement’s standards. Alipate Tavo, PACER Plus Implementation Unit’s (PPIU) Trade and Investment Adviser, emphasised the importance of cooperation among PACER Plus countries. “As part of the PACER Plus agreement, countries have an obligation to share trade information and policy amendments with other PACER Plus parties. This ensures a cohesive and transparent trading environment that benefits everyone involved.” Keity Tuiloma from Samoa’s Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Labour (left) with Verleena Nooapii from the Cook Islands at the Regional Workshop on Trade Information Portals in Apia, Samoa. Mrs. Angoango Fakaua from Kiribati’s Ministry of Tourism, Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives highlighted the impact of the workshop on her country’s trade practices. “This training is important for Kiribati as it equips us with the tools needed to streamline our trade processes and align with regional standards. It is an important step towards improving our trade infrastructure.” Ms. Ann Warsal from Vanuatu’s Department of Customs and Inland Revenue shared similar sentiments. “The Trade Information Portal has simplified the complexities of international trade regulations for Vanuatu, making it easier for our businesses to navigate and comply with trade requirements.” Ms. Keity Tuiloma from Samoa’s Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Labour added, “Having a centralised source of trade information not only promotes efficiency but also enhances our ability to engage in international trade more effectively. This workshop is an important opportunity for us to learn and implement best practices.” The four-day training concludes on Friday 7 June. -END- More articles like this one