Strengthening trade ties across the Pacific

Today I attended the third Ministerial meeting of the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations Plus (PACER Plus) to progress implementation of the development-centred free trade agreement and strengthen Australia's ties with the Pacific.

During the virtual meeting, Ministers discussed the importance of PACER Plus in deepening trade connections across the Blue Pacific and supporting the region's economic resilience.

Trade is a key part of Australia's engagement in the Pacific, and PACER Plus provides a platform for members to work together to grow trade and investment.

Australia is committed to supporting Pacific partners and contributing to resilience, sustainable growth, and economic prosperity throughout the region.

As a demonstration of Australia's commitment to PACER Plus, Australia will host a business symposium for PACER Plus partners in 2024.

The event will bring together like-minded businesses from across the PACER Plus membership to deepen economic and social ties and create new business and investment opportunities.

PACER Plus entered into force on 13 December 2020.

Cook Islands, Kiribati, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Australia and New Zealand are Parties to the Agreement.