Fiji will be hosting the ninth inter-sessional Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER) Plus meeting in December 8 following its re-entry as an equal partner.

The delegation was led by Ministry of Industry & Trade Permanent Secretary, Shaheen Ali.

This has been possible due to Fiji’s efforts and in recognition of the constructive role Fiji plays in regional trade.

It is understood that Fiji wants an agreement that is beyond a normal trade agreement, which includes binding provisions for labour mobility and development cooperation.

The announcement was made following the recent high-level meeting on the negations for member-countries held in New Zealand the past month.

 Trade adviser

Chief Trade Adviser, Edwini Kessie said the negotiations should be finalised by 2015 end or mid 2016 and welcomed Fiji back into the fold.

He said Fiji’s engagement in the PACER Plus negotiations would strengthen the negotiating process and benefit all PACER Plus Parties.

Samoan deputy Prime Minister, Fonote Nuafesili Pierre Lauofa also strengthened this welcomed saying Fiji provided the impetus to the negotiations.

Fonote said this would ensure a balanced agreement was reached that would further the interests of the island nations and promote regional integration in the Pacific.

He urged Australia and New Zealand to give substantive commitments on labour mobility and development assistance, as these would ensure that the FICs derived significant benefits from the Agreement.

Mr Ali thanked the ministersand  other high-level officials for their warm welcome.

He added, Fiji was delighted to join them as an equal partner in the PACER Plus negotiations.

 Pursuant

This is to pursue a balanced agreement that would truly transform their economies and ensure that they drive tangible benfits from international trade.

The session which Fiji hosts has been approved by the Minister for Trade, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum.

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