The Pacific Regional Advanced Trade in Goods Workshop, which aimed to enhance trade capacity in the Pacific, has successfully concluded. Organized by the PACER Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU) in collaboration with the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), the three-day event took place from August 12 to 14, 2024.
Representatives from the Cook Islands, Kiribati, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu attended the workshop to gain insights into the rules-based trading system, World Trade Organization (WTO) agreements, and the various opportunities and challenges they present to Pacific Island nations. The discussions also addressed the complexities of regional and multinational trade agreements like PACER Plus and their applications within the region.
Mr. Colin Beck, the Permanent Secretary of the Solomon Islands’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, highlighted the significance of PACER Plus in aiding customs automation and improving biosecurity measures within the islands during his opening remarks. He noted that while PACER Plus could be a valuable tool for growth, it is crucial for the nations to take the lead in initiating most of the projects. Beck emphasized the potential to enhance PACER Plus program delivery to better meet the needs of the people.
Mr. Andrew Schloeffel, the Deputy High Commissioner of Australia to the Solomon Islands, underscored the critical role of trade in fostering resilient economies and sustainable growth in the Pacific. He stated that all participating nations enjoy tariff- and quota-free access to Australia under PACER Plus, ensuring that all exported goods reach Australia duty-free, regardless of the level of development of any member nation.
The workshop is part of broader capacity-building efforts aimed at promoting the economic integration of Pacific Island nations into the global trading system while enhancing understanding of trade-related issues.