Fiji to host EU-Pacific trade talks in Suva next week

Fiji will welcome senior officials from the European Union and Pacific nations to Suva next week for crucial trade discussions that could boost market access for local exporters.

The country will host the 11th European Union–Pacific Interim Economic Partnership Agreement Trade Committee Meeting from January 26-30, bringing together representatives from the EU, Pacific IEPA member states, and nine observer countries.

Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs and External Trade Dr Raijeli Taga will lead Fiji's delegation as Pacific Co-Chair alongside the European Union.

"These engagements are aimed at strengthening dialogue, addressing implementation challenges, and exploring opportunities to enhance market access and trade facilitation for Pacific exporters," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated yesterday.

The week-long programme includes the main Trade Committee Meeting on January 29-30, where IEPA parties—the EU, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Samoa—will review the Agreement's progress and discuss next steps.

A Global Sourcing Workshop will engage Pacific fisheries industry representatives, exploring trade opportunities in this vital sector.

Observer countries participating include Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Niue, Marshall Islands, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.

The Ministry said the discussions aim to contribute to "inclusive and sustainable economic development across the Pacific region."

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