The Hon Pat Conroy, Minister for Pacific Island Affairs
The Albanese Labor Government is committing $23.2 million over the next five years to support Pacific Island PACER Plus Members to maximise trade and investment opportunities and enable Pacific businesses and communities to thrive.
The Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations Plus (PACER Plus) is a regional trade and development agreement. It aims to make it easier for Pacific countries to trade, attract investment and grow their economies.
In collaboration with New Zealand’s commitment of NZ$10 million, we celebrate five years since the trade and development agreement entered into force.
The new investment was confirmed at the 2025 PACER Plus Ministerial Meeting in Solomon Islands.
Attributable to the Minister for Pacific Island Affairs, Pat Conroy:
“For the past five years, the PACER PLUS free trade agreement has improved access to markets and investment, contributing to the creation of a more stable and prosperous Pacific.
“Our investment is supporting the Pacific’s key economic drivers: tourism, forestry, fisheries and agriculture to create more and better jobs across our region.
“We have listened to the Pacific’s priorities, and are working together on Pacific-led, Australian-backed solutions.”
Attributable to Assistant Minister for Pacific Island Affairs Nita Green:
“In a time of rapid change in the global trade environment, our region can be a source of reliability, predictability, and prosperity. As the primary vehicle driving regional economic integration, PACER Plus delivers both.”
“As a collective, the region can be more resilient to economic shocks, and we share the common sentiment in calling on fellow Pacific Islands Forum Members to consider joining PACER Plus.”