The Pacific Regional Advanced Trade in Goods Workshop, designed to enhance trade capacity within the Pacific, has successfully concluded. Organized by the PACER Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU) in partnership with the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), the three-day event took place from August 12 to August 14, 2024.
Representatives from the Cook Islands, Kiribati, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu attended the workshop to deepen their understanding of the rules-based trading system and the WTO agreements. They also explored the opportunities and challenges presented by these frameworks for Pacific Island nations. Discussions included the complexities surrounding regional and multinational trade agreements such as PACER Plus and their implications for the area.
Mr. Colin Beck, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade of the Solomon Islands, highlighted the vital role of PACER Plus in enhancing customs automation and biosecurity measures across the islands. He noted, “PACER Plus has the potential to be an extremely useful tool for our growth, but it is imperative that the country lead and initiate the majority of its projects.” He emphasized the opportunity to improve the delivery of the PACER Plus programs to better meet the needs of local populations.
Mr. Andrew Schloeffel, Deputy High Commissioner of Australia to the Solomon Islands, underscored the significance of trade in fostering resilient economies and sustainable growth within the Pacific region. He stated, “All participating nations have tariff- and quota-free access to Australia under PACER Plus, covering all product lines, with exports arriving in Australia duty-free. This commitment remains irrespective of any member nation’s development status.”
This workshop is part of broader capacity-building initiatives aimed at integrating Pacific Island nations into the global trading system and enhancing their understanding of trade-related issues.