Fiji is considering its participation in the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER) Plus, with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Cooperatives, and Small Medium Enterprises Manoa Kamikamica stating that the country will not join if it does not serve its interests. During recent consultations in Suva, Kamikamica emphasized that Fiji had previously engaged in PACER Plus negotiations but chose not to sign due to insufficient benefits and flexibility that did not justify the potential risks and costs involved.
Kamikamica highlighted Fiji’s commitment to regional cooperation and the importance of ensuring that trade agreements facilitate genuine development. While recognizing the necessity of enhancing Pacific trade, he noted that a thorough evaluation of PACER Plus is crucial to determine its alignment with Fiji’s development objectives and the structural changes needed for its economy.
Key considerations include diversifying Fiji’s limited export base, ensuring resilient supply chains, and addressing its trade deficit, particularly with Australia and New Zealand. The government is committed to ensuring that any trade agreement entered into is fair, equitable, and development-oriented, ultimately benefiting the nation.
Kamikamica stressed the importance of reassessing whether remaining outside PACER Plus aligns with Fiji’s best interests and called for collective efforts to establish if the agreement can truly promote sustainable development for the country.