The recent conclusion of the 10th Meeting of the EU-Pacific Trade Committee marks a pivotal moment in enhancing trade and economic relations between the European Union (EU) and Pacific States under the Interim Economic Partnership Agreement (IEPA). Trade representatives convened to evaluate current trade developments, progress in implementation, and explore future cooperation under the framework.
The discussions focused on optimizing the effectiveness of the IEPA, highlighting ongoing efforts to include additional Pacific States such as the Federated States of Micronesia, Niue, Tuvalu, Timor-Leste, Tonga, and Vanuatu. A significant point of discussion was the possibility of expanding the agreement to cover trade in services and facilitate investment, based on a study by Professor Jane Kelsey.
Fiji’s representation, led by Permanent Secretary for Trade, Shaheen Ali, underscored the importance of a practical, development-oriented approach. He brought attention to the structural obstacles faced by the region, including preference erosion in vital sectors and the increasing complexities of regulatory requirements.
The EU’s Green Deal policies were prominently featured in discussions, with stakeholders from Fiji and other Pacific nations acknowledging the need for these measures but also advocating for careful consideration to avoid unintentional trade barriers. Ali pointed out the financial and technical challenges that Pacific businesses will encounter in adhering to stringent requirements such as carbon reporting and sustainability certifications.
A notable achievement shared by Fiji was the Cabinet’s approval of its Market Access Commitment (MAC) under the IEPA, which aims to facilitate tariff liberalization and enable businesses, particularly micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), to maximize the benefits of the agreement.
The meeting also addressed key topics such as the export of Kava to the EU, agricultural value chain development, and the potential accession to the Geneva Act of the Lisbon Agreement to protect geographical indications linked to Pacific products. Additionally, Fiji updated attendees on efforts to enhance global sourcing in fisheries by cooperating with the EU and regional partners for better trade facilitation support.
Fiji advocates for enhanced trade capacity-building assistance from the EU and is gearing up for the upcoming EU-Pacific Business Forum scheduled for September 2025, which aims to bolster commercial ties between the regions.
Looking forward to the 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Fiji is committed to supporting a multilateral trading system that promotes sustainable economic growth. The focus for MC14 will be on solidifying the second phase of the WTO Fisheries Subsidies Agreement, with an emphasis on addressing overcapacity and overfishing challenges that disproportionately impact Pacific nations.
Fiji has called for stronger commitments to reduce trade-distorting agricultural subsidies and emphasized the necessity for a fully operational WTO dispute settlement system that ensures fairness in trade rules. The discussions highlighted the importance of inclusivity in WTO decision-making, advocating for the interests and voices of small island developing states (SIDS).
As the partnership between the EU and Pacific States develops, both parties remain dedicated to fostering a trade environment that is inclusive, sustainable, and responsive to the specific needs of Pacific economies, reinforcing the optimism for mutual growth and cooperation in the years ahead.
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