Latest news with #PACERPlus
Scoop
a day ago
- Business
- Scoop
Final Evaluation Confirms Success Of The Niue-Solomon Islands Labour Mobility Pilot
Press Release – PACER Plus The groundbreaking labour mobility pilot between Niue and Solomon Islands has been deemed a success, following a comprehensive final evaluation that highlights the initiatives strong outcomes for both countries. ALOFI, NIUE – PACER Plus, in collaboration with the Government of Niue, hosted the final evaluation of the Niue-Solomon Islands Labour Mobility Pilot from 1-4 July 2025 in Niue. The groundbreaking labour mobility pilot between Niue and Solomon Islands has been deemed a success, following a comprehensive final evaluation that highlights the initiative's strong outcomes for both countries. The Niue–Solomon Islands Intra-Pacific Labour Mobility Pilot, launched under the PACER Plus Arrangement on Labour Mobility (ALM) in July 2024, has provided a unique and valuable opportunity for four retired Solomon Islands nationals to address critical labour shortages in Niue's aged care sector. The final evaluation confirmed that the pilot met its core objectives of facilitating the movement of Pacific labour within Pacific countries to deliver mutual benefits to both labour sending and labour receiving countries. The evaluation found that Niue benefited from increased workforce capacity and improved aged care services while the retired nurses from Solomon Islands gained an income-generating opportunity they otherwise would not have had. Both governments demonstrated strong collaboration, which set a precedent for future intra-Pacific labour arrangements. The final evaluation also identified lessons for future intra-Pacific initiatives, including the need for streamlined recruitment processes, tailored pre-departure training, and continued worker welfare support. Niue's Minister for Finance and Infrastructure, Hon. Crossley Tatui, welcomed the results: 'This pilot has demonstrated that Pacific Island countries can work together to solve shared challenges. We are proud to have hosted workers from Solomon Islands and are already seeing the positive impacts in our aged care sector.' Solomon Islands' Deputy Secretary for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Mr. Hickson George, echoed the sentiment: 'This has been an important opportunity for our workers to gain employment in their retirement years and support their families at home. We look forward to expanding such partnerships under the PACER Plus framework.' The success of the pilot has generated interest in scaling up intra-Pacific labour mobility in critical sectors while ensuring that development benefits are shared across the region. PACER Plus will use the evaluation findings to inform the development of Niue's Labour Mobility Strategy and provide broader regional policy and develop practical guidance for Parties seeking to initiate similar pilot schemes.
Scoop
6 days ago
- Health
- Scoop
Cook Islands Completes Landmark Crop Pest Survey To Strengthen Trade And Plant Health
RAROTONGA, Cook Islands – The Cook Islands has successfully completed a national crop pest survey, its first in years, as part of a push to protect local agriculture and strengthen trade opportunities in the region and beyond. The survey, carried out from14-25 July 2025 in Aitutaki and Rarotonga, was led by the Cook Islands' Ministry of Agriculture in partnership with the PACER Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU), Australia's Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF), Northern Australia Quarantine Strategy (NAQS), New Zealand's Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and Lincoln University. It forms a key part of the Cook Islands' commitment under PACER Plus to improve its plant health systems and support safe, sustainable trade. 'Keeping our agricultural borders strong for potential export opportunities requires good data,' said Ms. Temarama Anguna-Kamana, Head of the Ministry of Agriculture. This survey provides exactly that, an up-to-date understanding of the pest and disease risks facing our crops, and a stronger foundation for trade.' The fieldwork involved targeted surveillance of key crops and entry pathways across Aitutaki and Rarotonga, followed by in-country diagnostic training for Ministry staff. Samples collected were analysed in-country and further tested in DAFF's specialised laboratories in Australia. This dual-track approach not only ensured scientific rigour but also built long-term diagnostic capacity within the Ministry. Mr. Alipate Tavo, Trade Adviser at the PACER Plus Implementation Unit, said the plant health surveillance demonstrates how to facilitate international trade while protecting plant life or health in the PACER Plus territories. 'Cook Islands is showing leadership by investing in the systems that matter such as biosecurity, pest reporting, and diagnostics,' he said. 'We're pleased to support this work because plant health isn't just a technical issue. It's about growing exports, protecting livelihoods, and ensuring farmers can reach new markets with confidence.' The activity included the procurement of specialised traps, lures, and field kits from Australia, and hands-on training for Cook Islands agricultural officers in data collection and pest identification. Survey results will be used to update the Pacific Pest List Database and meet reporting obligations under the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC). By providing an updated pest status, the survey sets the stage for more accurate pest risk assessments, improved biosecurity planning, and strengthened trade access for Cook Islands-grown produce, particularly in regional and international markets. A final report capturing the survey's findings and recommendations will be submitted to the Ministry of Agriculture and the PACER Plus Implementation Unit in August 2025.
Scoop
18-07-2025
- Business
- Scoop
PACER Plus Implementation Unit Attends FTOM And FTMM In Fiji
Press Release – PACER Plus The geographic development challenges of the region further underscored the critical need for increased regional integration through regional initiatives that reflect the regions collective needs and priorities. SUVA, Fiji – The Forum Trade Officials and Trade Ministers meeting was convened on 16-18 July 2025 in Suva, Fiji, to deliberate on key trade issues affecting the Pacific region, against the backdrop of an increasingly complex global and regional economic landscape. Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to a rules-based multilateral trading system to enhance the region's gains from international trade. The geographic development challenges of the region further underscored the critical need for increased regional integration through regional initiatives that reflect the region's collective needs and priorities. These initiatives include the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, the Pacific Roadmap for Economic Development (PRED), and the Pacific Aid for Trade Strategy. The draft Pacific Regional Labour Mobility Principles were also considered as directed by Forum Leaders in 2023. Hon. Peter Shanel Agovaka, Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade of Solomon Islands, delivered a statement on behalf of the PACER Plus Parties, highlighting progress and milestones since the Agreement entered into force in 2020. In his remarks, Hon. Agovaka highlighted the integral role of PACER Plus in promoting regional economic integration through reducing barriers to trade and optimising opportunities in trade in goods, services trade, investment and labour mobility. While reaffirming PACER Plus Parties commitment to a predictable rules-based trading system, Hon. Agovaka also encouraged other Forum members' accession to PACER Plus to increase the impact of the Treaty and to further deepen regional economic integration in the Pacific. During the meeting, Ministers approved observer status for the PACER Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU) to the Forum Trade Ministers Meeting. The PPIU welcomed this decision as a strategic step towards enhancing regional trade coordination and participation in key regional trade discussions. The PPIU also used the opportunity during the meeting to meet with regional partners to discuss alignment of priorities and collaboration opportunities.
Scoop
18-07-2025
- Business
- Scoop
PACER Plus Implementation Unit Attends FTOM And FTMM In Fiji
SUVA, Fiji – The Forum Trade Officials and Trade Ministers meeting was convened on 16-18 July 2025 in Suva, Fiji, to deliberate on key trade issues affecting the Pacific region, against the backdrop of an increasingly complex global and regional economic landscape. Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to a rules-based multilateral trading system to enhance the region's gains from international trade. The geographic development challenges of the region further underscored the critical need for increased regional integration through regional initiatives that reflect the region's collective needs and priorities. These initiatives include the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, the Pacific Roadmap for Economic Development (PRED), and the Pacific Aid for Trade Strategy. The draft Pacific Regional Labour Mobility Principles were also considered as directed by Forum Leaders in 2023. Hon. Peter Shanel Agovaka, Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade of Solomon Islands, delivered a statement on behalf of the PACER Plus Parties, highlighting progress and milestones since the Agreement entered into force in 2020. In his remarks, Hon. Agovaka highlighted the integral role of PACER Plus in promoting regional economic integration through reducing barriers to trade and optimising opportunities in trade in goods, services trade, investment and labour mobility. While reaffirming PACER Plus Parties commitment to a predictable rules-based trading system, Hon. Agovaka also encouraged other Forum members' accession to PACER Plus to increase the impact of the Treaty and to further deepen regional economic integration in the Pacific. During the meeting, Ministers approved observer status for the PACER Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU) to the Forum Trade Ministers Meeting. The PPIU welcomed this decision as a strategic step towards enhancing regional trade coordination and participation in key regional trade discussions. The PPIU also used the opportunity during the meeting to meet with regional partners to discuss alignment of priorities and collaboration opportunities.
Scoop
16-07-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Pacific Trade Ministers To Meet In Fiji
Minister of State for Trade and Investment Minister of State for Trade and Investment Nicola Grigg will travel to Fiji this week to attend the Pacific Island Forum's Trade Ministers Meeting (FTMM). 'Trade plays a critical role in getting more money into your back pocket, helping you and your family to thrive. It drives employment, economic growth, and lifts the standard of living in NewZealand and across the Pacific,' Ms Grigg says. The Pacific Island Forum's (PIF) biennial Trade Ministers Meeting will be held in Suva on 18 July. It is a key regional event, bringing together Pacific trade ministers to discuss and shape the future of trade and economic integration. 'The Government is strongly committed to supporting Pacific Island countries to grow the positive impacts of trade. New Zealand's attendance at the FTMM signals our continued commitment to regional cooperation, resilience, and leadership in advancing Pacific trade priorities under the 2050 Strategy for the Pacific Blue Continent,' Ms Grigg says. 'This key regional meeting provides a timely platform to discuss the critical importance of the rules-based trading system, with the World Trade Organisation at its core. This structure is particularly vital for small countries like New Zealand and PIF members. We are best served by a world in which trade flows freely governed by rules. 'I will attend a Fiji NewZealand Business Council event where the Council will launch its strategy to help reach the joint NewZealand and Fiji goal of lifting two-way trade to NZ$2 billion by 2030. 'I also look forward to engaging with my PACER Plus Ministerial counterparts. PACER Plus is the largest and most comprehensive trade agreement in our region. It is helping both large and small businesses — including women-led businesses — to grow; reduce costs through e-commerce and enhance regulatory cooperation between governments, streamline customs processes, paperless trade, and provisions on investment that protect investors; and to promote cross-border investment flows. 'While PACER Plus is a trade agreement, with currently 10 parties, that also speaks to the bonds between our nations, as neighbours, partners, and family, whose interests, prosperity, and well-being are intertwined.' The goal of lifting joint two-way trade with Fiji and New Zealand was set by our Prime Ministers in June last year. The Joint Statement by the Prime Ministers of Fiji and New Zealand can be read here.
