HONIARA, Solomon Islands, 27 November 2025 — The PACER Plus Ministers met on 27 November 2025 in Honiara, Solomon Islands, to review progress on the PACER Plus Agreement. The Cook Islands was represented by Hon Tingika Elikana, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration as well as Director of International Affairs and Trade Division, Jim Armistead.
In his opening remarks, Minister Elikana acknowledged the critical stage for regional trade amid rising pressures on the rules-based trading order. He affirmed that PACER Plus remains a stabilising force, providing vital trade opportunities across the Pacific.
The meeting focused on key issues as the first five-year Development and Economic Cooperation (DEC) work programme concludes in December 2025.
Minister Elikana highlighted the Cook Islands' achievements under the DEC programme: “We have strengthened our trade systems through ASYCUDA customs integration, enhanced biosecurity operations, advanced policy development for legislative reform, promoted investment, raised health and food standards, and, critically, enhanced our trade engagement capacity.”
All Ministers strongly endorsed the DEC programme’s value and supported extending it for another five years, underpinned by significant funding commitments from Australia (AUD 23.2 million) and New Zealand (NZD 10 million). This regional funding is particularly important for the Cook Islands, which graduated from bilateral Official Development Assistance (ODA) in 2020.
Ministers agreed on strategic priorities for 2025–2030, focusing on Legislation and Policy Reform, Public Sector Capacity Building, Private Sector Development, and Automation and Data Systems.
Minister Elikana noted that these priorities closely align with the Cook Islands Trade Policy Framework, recently launched to strengthen institutions, improve export readiness, and support private sector growth—key drivers of the country’s long-term economic goals.
Finally, Ministers committed to championing PACER Plus as a catalyst for regional integration and sustainable economic growth, aiming to unlock new business opportunities, expand market access, harmonise trade infrastructure, and enhance predictability in trade among member countries.
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