Pacific trade talks unlock $millions in support for small businesses

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka outlined key outcomes from the Pacific-ACP and Forum Trade Ministers Meetings held in Suva in July this year.

The meetings brought together trade ministers and officials from across the Pacific region to discuss how island economies can grow through stronger trade partnerships.

On Tuesday, he highlighted that the discussions focused on how trade could be used as a tool to support Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which are vital for job creation and community livelihoods.

Ministers discussed several major initiatives aimed at building regional trade capacity and supporting Pacific industries, including:

• The Pacific Trade and Sustainable Development Programme with the EU, linking trade to community and environmental development outcomes.
• The Sustainable Agriculture and Fishery Enterprise (SAFE) project, which strengthens farming, fisheries, and trade capacity across the region.
• The Regional Kava Development Strategy, which seeks to improve the quality, supply, and export standards of kava products, a key export for Fiji and other Pacific nations.
• The Pacific Quality Infrastructure Initiative, which helps improve product testing, certification, and regional standards to ensure Pacific goods remain competitive internationally.

While acknowledging the importance of the meetings, Opposition MP Faiyaz Koya called on the Government to provide more details on trade agreements discussed and their progress.

He questioned the feasibility study for a potential Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and sought updates on Fiji’s country position paper required by the European Union.

“These agreements have real benefits for Fiji and the wider Pacific, but Parliament needs to know how far these talks have gone,” Mr Koya said.

In response, PM Rabuka assured that ongoing discussions with global partners, including the United States and the EU, were continuing and updates would be provided once reports were finalised.

“When we work together, we can build a more resilient and sustainable future for all Pacific peoples,” he said.

Feedback: rariqi.turner@fijisun.com.fj