Brisbane, Australia, 19 November 2024 – The Cook Islands Minister for Foreign Affairs and Immigration, the Hon. Tingika Elikana, participated in the first in-person Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER) Plus Ministers Meeting since the agreement came into force in December 2020. The meeting, held in Brisbane, marked a significant milestone as COVID-related border closures had previously restricted such gatherings to virtual platforms.
The PACER Plus agreement is a regional trade arrangement aimed at enhancing the liberalisation of goods and services among its member countries. Current signatories include Australia, the Cook Islands, Kiribati, New Zealand, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu. The Cook Islands ratified the Agreement in October 2020 as the eighth country to do so, effectively bringing the Agreement into force.
Ministers reviewed progress in implementing the Agreement, noting the advancements made in strengthening the trading capacities of Pacific Island countries. Discussions also explored the future of PACER Plus beyond 2025, with an emphasis on bolstering private sector development as a critical avenue for fostering sustainable economic growth.
Speaking at the meeting, Minister Elikana stated, “PACER Plus is highly aspirational. While the trade doors are opening to Australia and New Zealand, the “Plus” component of this agreement must deliver on commitments. The Cook Islands requires significant assistance to enable our private sector to benefit from those new trading opportunities and our key government agencies to strengthen their trade facilitation functions.” He expressed gratitude to Australia, New Zealand, and the PACER Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU) for their continued backing while advocating for sustained support in the years beyond 2025.
Secretary of MFAI, Ms. Tepaeru Herrmann, highlighted the collaborative efforts driving PACER Plus implementation within the Cook Islands. “Through the leadership of our PACER Plus National Coordinator and Trade Policy Advisor, Dr. Jim Gosselin, we are delivering tailored initiatives across a number of sectors in the Cook Islands. This financial year alone, 17 country-specific projects and five regional initiatives have been allocated to the Cook Islands, ensuring tangible benefits for our economy and people.”
The Ministers acknowledged the importance of regional collaboration and innovation, particularly in addressing challenges such as enhancing private sector capacities. Discussions also underscored the need for enhanced engagement on digital capacity-building and the potential of marine exports to strengthen intra-regional trade.
The meeting concluded with ministers reaffirming their commitment to the goals of PACER Plus and recognising its vital role in the region’s economic integration. Updates on funding arrangements and policy reviews are expected early next year, with parties to PACER Plus committed to ensuring the Agreement’s long-term success.
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