Latest news with #PACERPlus
Scoop
6 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
PACER Plus Implementation Unit Attends FTOM And FTMM In Fiji
Press Release – PACER Plus The geographic development challenges of the region further underscored the critical need for increased regional integration through regional initiatives that reflect the regions collective needs and priorities. 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.
Scoop
6 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
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.
Scoop
16-07-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Pacific Trade Ministers To Meet In Fiji
Minister of State for Trade and Investment Minister of State for Trade and Investment Nicola Grigg will travel to Fiji this week to attend the Pacific Island Forum's Trade Ministers Meeting (FTMM). 'Trade plays a critical role in getting more money into your back pocket, helping you and your family to thrive. It drives employment, economic growth, and lifts the standard of living in NewZealand and across the Pacific,' Ms Grigg says. The Pacific Island Forum's (PIF) biennial Trade Ministers Meeting will be held in Suva on 18 July. It is a key regional event, bringing together Pacific trade ministers to discuss and shape the future of trade and economic integration. 'The Government is strongly committed to supporting Pacific Island countries to grow the positive impacts of trade. New Zealand's attendance at the FTMM signals our continued commitment to regional cooperation, resilience, and leadership in advancing Pacific trade priorities under the 2050 Strategy for the Pacific Blue Continent,' Ms Grigg says. 'This key regional meeting provides a timely platform to discuss the critical importance of the rules-based trading system, with the World Trade Organisation at its core. This structure is particularly vital for small countries like New Zealand and PIF members. We are best served by a world in which trade flows freely governed by rules. 'I will attend a Fiji NewZealand Business Council event where the Council will launch its strategy to help reach the joint NewZealand and Fiji goal of lifting two-way trade to NZ$2 billion by 2030. 'I also look forward to engaging with my PACER Plus Ministerial counterparts. PACER Plus is the largest and most comprehensive trade agreement in our region. It is helping both large and small businesses — including women-led businesses — to grow; reduce costs through e-commerce and enhance regulatory cooperation between governments, streamline customs processes, paperless trade, and provisions on investment that protect investors; and to promote cross-border investment flows. 'While PACER Plus is a trade agreement, with currently 10 parties, that also speaks to the bonds between our nations, as neighbours, partners, and family, whose interests, prosperity, and well-being are intertwined.' The goal of lifting joint two-way trade with Fiji and New Zealand was set by our Prime Ministers in June last year. The Joint Statement by the Prime Ministers of Fiji and New Zealand can be read here.
Scoop
04-07-2025
- Business
- Scoop
PACER Plus Delivers Over $89,000 In Farming Equipment To Boost Agriculture Sector
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. 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,' said Hon. Malolo. 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. 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.
RNZ News
25-06-2025
- Business
- RNZ News
Pacific news in brief for 25 June
Photo: 123rf Leaders in the American Samoa government have expressed their opposition to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management's proposed commercial leasing of the territory's exclusive economic zone. They said this was in line with the express will of the people and the protection of American Samoa's natural resources. The American Samoa Government's moratorium on sea bed mininghas not been repealed, and therefore, remains in full force and effect. A participant from Vanuatu wearing a T-shirt that says 'Labour Mobility is a Family Journey' during the UNICEF Labour Mobility Conference on the 16th and 17th of July 2024 at Ramada, Port Vila. Photo: UNICEF / Bobby Shing The countries in the Paciifc Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER) Plus trade agreement are meeting to address the negative social impacts of Pacific labour mobility. The PACER Plus labour mobility arrangement aims to strengthen labour mobility cooperation by promoting good practices and enabling mutually beneficial policies. An earlier review found some workers face difficulties such as poor accommodation, high migration costs, and limited understanding of their rights and responsibilities while abroad. It also found that employers and systems in Australia and New Zealand are sometimes not well-equipped to understand or respond to the specific needs and cultural values of Pacific workers. Fijian prime minister Sitiveni Rabuka reaffirmed regional unity at the end of the Melanesian Spearhead Group leaders summit in Suva on Monday night. A government statement said Rabuka, now the chairman of the group, described Melanesia as an immensely strong family. The Prime Minister said the one-day summit reinforced shared values of sovereignty, solidarity and sustainable development. Critical issues were discussed, including regional security and economic cooperation, climate resilience and cultural preservation. Air New Zealand has announced 25,000 new seats on flights to Pacific Islands this summer. Flights to Rarotonga, Nadi, and Papeete are set to get a boost. Also, almost 7000 seats to Noumea are being added as the airline resumes flights to New Caledonia from November after last year's deadly riots. Air New Zealand said the deployment of more widebody aircraft enables them to respond to strong demand. There is a growing interest in Papua New Guinea coffee from Chinese investors. Representatives from Pacific Trade Invest (PTI) China have just been in PNG on a 12-day visit, with a keen interest in coffee. Local media reported importers and distributors conducted on-site inspections at plantations and factories in Port Moresby, Goroka and Mount Hagen.
