By Katalina Siasau
Pacific trade leaders gathering in Nuku’alofa have been urged to ensure regional trade agreements deliver meaningful benefits for the people most vulnerable to economic hardship, as the 10th Meeting of the PACER Plus Joint Committee opened today, 21 May 2026.
“We must always remember that trade in the Pacific is driven largely by small businesses, local entrepreneurs, farmers, fishes, and communities that are often vulnerable to economic shocks and external pressures,” said the Minister for Internal Affairs Hon. Fane Fituafe at the opening ceremony.
The meeting, chaired by Ministry of Trade and Economic Development (MTED) CEO Distaquaine Tuʻihalamaka, has brought together representatives from member countries and development partners to discuss regional priorities and the next phase of cooperation under PACER Plus.
As host country, Tonga reaffirmed its commitment to advancing regional trade, investment, and development cooperation across the Pacific.
Minister Fituafe said that as PACER Plus moves into its second phase, the focus must shift from establishing systems and frameworks to delivering tangible outcomes, measurable impacts, and stronger accountability.
“Our small island countries continue to face growing economic pressures, climate related challenges, and external shocks. In this increasingly complex environment, stronger regional coordination and more effective implementation are more important than ever,” she said.
She added that PACER Plus provides an important platform to strengthen economic resilience, support private sector development, deepen regional cooperation, and position the Pacific region more strategically within the global economy.
Among the key agenda items is discussion on the Development and Economic Cooperation Work Programme 2026–2030, aimed at supporting capacity building, trade-related assistance, and inclusive economic development across PACER Plus Parties over the next five years.
Members will also consider the Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning and Adaptation (MELA) Logframe, which provides a framework for measuring and strengthening PACER Plus outcomes and impacts.
The programme is funded and managed through an AUD 31.4 million contribution from the Australian and New Zealand governments.
The meeting is being held at the Fa'onelua Convention Centre in Nuku'alofa from 21–22 May 2026.
PACER Plus is a regional trade and development agreement involving Pacific countries, Australia, and New Zealand that supports economic cooperation and sustainable development across the region. The Joint Committee serves as the principal decision-making body under the agreement and oversees its implementation among member countries.
