Forum Trade Ministers will meet in Brisbane, Australia next weekend to negotiate the PACER Plus regional trade agreement.
A Forum Secretariat statement said the decision to commence negotiations was made by Forum Leaders at their meeting in Cairns in August.
Forum Secretary General Tuiloma Neroni Slade said the Special Trade Ministers meeting was instigated by Forum Leaders who directed trade ministers to meet and discuss a framework for PACER Plus negotiations including timelines, identification of issues common to all Forum member countries, and the issues in respect of which a Chief Trade Advisor may negotiate.
“This meeting marks the commencement of formal work to progress the PACER Plus regional trade agreement,” said Slade.
Fiji will be missing from the negotiations following its suspension from the Forum in May.
The Forum Secretariat will brief the Fiji government following each stage of the negotiations, a decision that provoked strong reactions from Fiji.
“The decision to move forward with negotiations was made by leaders in Cairns at the recommendation of ministers. The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat looks forward to playing its part in progressing this important and historic agreement,” said Slade.
“I believe that PACER Plus will play an important role in furthering regional economic integration and helping to create opportunities for economic growth and prosperity in Forum Island Countries. PACER Plus in its broad objectives will set new development paths by providing member countries with agreed and necessary tools to create new market opportunities, and thereby increase the prospects for employment and prosperity throughout the Pacific.”
