Niue prepares for the Pacer Plus trade agreement which will come into force on December 13th
The Pacer Plus trade agreement between Australia, NZ, and the Pacific countries who’ve ratified the agreement will come into force this coming Sunday, December 13th.
A meeting between the government and representatives of the private sector was held today to discuss the implications and future benefits for Niue with the Pacer Plus.
Also, joining via zoom from Canberra was Tanuvasa Semi Siakimotu Biosecurity and Environmental Safeguard Adviser and Adviser PHAMA Plus, which is an aid for trade program supported by Australia and New Zealand.
Tanuvasa Semy Siakimotu says that they will be able to provide support on ort we provide will be on Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) and market access issues such as biosecurity and export matters. He told BCN news that he is looking forward to working with Frank Sioneholo and colleagues including the private sector to identify and address some of the issues as they relate to trade and market access
Earlier this year, Minister Tatui, said that one of the first benefits for Niue would be in securing a commercial fumigator for export purposes.
PACER Plus negotiations began in 2009 and concluded in 2017. Eleven countries signed the agreement. Cook Islands was the eighth country to ratify PACER Plus, following Kiribati, New Zealand, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Australia. Eight countries are need to ratify the trade agreement to bring it into force.
After the agreement’s entry into force which will be on Sunday December 13th, Australia and NZ will start to implement a program of trade related development assistance to diversify and strengthen Pacific exports and facilitate regional integration.
This first phase will commit AUD$25.5 million for funding of core activities over the next five years.
Vanuatu, Nauru, and Tuvalu have signed but are yet to ratify the agreement. PNG and Fiji are yet to sign the Pacer Plus agreement.
