Nabilah S
Pacific trade ministers have gathered for their first in-person meeting under the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations Plus (PACER Plus) since its implementation in 2020. The discussions centred on enhancing trade, attracting foreign investment, and fostering economic cooperation among member nations.
The meeting was chaired by Samoa’s Trade Minister, Hon. Leota Laki Lamositele, and included representatives from Tonga, Australia, New Zealand, and various other Pacific countries. Tonga’s delegation was led by the Minister of Trade and Economic Development (MTED), Hon. Dr. Viliami Uasike Latu.
Since ratifying PACER Plus in 2020, Tonga has witnessed significant benefits for its private sector, providing much-needed support to workers and businesses impacted by COVID-19 and the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai (HTHH) disaster.
Discussions during the meeting centred on bolstering private-sector growth, promoting labour mobility, and streamlining export procedures for goods such as kava. Additionally, ministers agreed to extend PACER Plus programs for an additional five years beyond 2025.
The gathering underscored a collective dedication to strengthening trade and investment relationships throughout the Pacific region.
