Fiji has indicated it may not join the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER) Plus if it does not align with the country’s interests. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Cooperatives and Small Medium Enterprises Manoa Kamikamica made these remarks during the PACER Plus consultations held in Suva. The coalition government is currently evaluating the potential benefits of joining this trade and development agreement.
Despite actively participating in the negotiations for PACER Plus, Fiji chose not to sign the agreement, citing insufficient flexibility and benefits to counterbalance potential risks and costs. Kamikamica emphasized that Fiji’s commitment to regional cooperation is crucial and that trade agreements should genuinely promote development.
He acknowledged the importance of boosting trade within the Pacific but stressed the need for meticulous exploration of such agreements. Kamikamica pointed out that PACER Plus has the potential to create jobs, spur economic growth, and improve the livelihoods of citizens through better market access.
With changes in the economic landscape both locally and globally, he noted the necessity of a thorough analysis to determine whether the current form of the agreement aligns with Fiji’s development goals and adequately addresses the structural changes necessary for the Fijian economy. This includes diversifying exports, enhancing supply chain resilience, and balancing the trade deficit, especially with Australia and New Zealand.
He reiterated the government’s responsibility to ensure that any trade agreement pursued is fair, equitable, development-oriented, and beneficial to Fiji. In this context, it is essential to reassess whether the decision to remain outside PACER Plus is still in the country’s best interest. Kamikamica concluded that it is vital to collectively evaluate if PACER Plus, in its current state, can indeed serve as a catalyst for sustainable development as intended.