Tristein Zutu

PACER Plus

The Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER) Plus is a landmark trade and development agreement that will raise living standards, create jobs and increase exports in Pacific Island countries, while also lowering barriers and providing greater certainty for businesses operating in the Pacific. All Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) members are encouraged to join PACER Plus. Nine PIF members ratified and have been Party to the Agreement since its entry into force since December 2020: Australia, Cook Islands, Kiribati, New Zealand, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, and Tuvalu. Three additional members have signed and are yet to ratify: Nauru and Vanuatu. All Pacific Island Forum members are encouraged to join in the future. The PACER Plus Implementing Arrangement for Development and Economic Cooperation will provide assistance to PACER Plus island countries to strengthen their capacity to benefit from regional and international trade and contribute to achieving economic growth and sustainable development. The PACER Plus Implementation Unit is based in Apia, Samoa, and is led by Roy Lagolago.