PACER Plus

The PACER Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU) was honoured to host bilateral discussions for Australia and other Commonwealth nations at our office in Apia, Samoa during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting this week. We were delighted to welcome Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to the PPIU. Australia, along with New Zealand and eight Pacific Island countries, is a party to the PACER Plus agreement. Together with New Zealand, Australia has contributed AU$25 million to the Development and Economic Cooperation Work Programme, supporting PACER Plus parties in implementing the agreement. #PACERPlus #CHOGM2024 #PacificCooperation #RegionalTrade Australian Government Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, The Commonwealth, Will Robinson, Luke Marston, Laisiana Tugaga

Rose Sosoe from the Solomon Islands had a simple dream: to provide a better life for her family. Through New Zealand's Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme, Rose secured a job at Hortus Ltd., a leader in ethnical workforce solutions. After two years, Rose reflects on how the opportunity has transformed her life, allowing her to support her family and gain new skills. "It's been a wonderful journey," she says. Rose's story highlights the power of labour mobility to create brighter futures. To read more about her inspiring journey, click the story below ⤵️ #PACERPlus #PLMAM2024 #PLMAM #LabourMobility Natalia Patternot, Janice Ashwin, Tristein Zutu, New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade, Jonathan Schwass, Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, Eliam Tangirongo, Vera Cheffers, June Rofeta Maenu'u, Alisi Holani

Mr. Roy Lagolago, Head of the PACER Plus Implementation Unit, will be speaking at the Commonwealth Business Forum (CBF) 2024 in Apia, Samoa. Mr. Lagolago will be sharing insights on the pivotal role PACER Plus plays in "Reducing Barriers to Trade" across the Pacific, supporting sustainable economic growth, and empowering businesses to thrive in a resilient global marketplace. This year's forum focuses on the theme: "One Resilient Common Future: Transforming Our Common Wealth", exploring key pillars like access to finance, tech and innovation, sustainability, and workforce transformation. #PACERPlus #CWEIC #CommonwealthAdvantage #CBF2024 #CHOGM2024 Lita Lui, Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC), The Commonwealth, Pacific Islands Private Sector Organisation (PIPSO)

The Pacific labour mobility landscape has evolved significantly, shaped by factors like COVID-19 and policy changes. The 2024 Pacific Labour Mobility Annual Meeting (PLMAM), themed "Collectively Building Resilience," will explore ways to strengthen resilience in Pacific labour mobility systems. Emeritus Professor Richard Bedford shares insights on balancing costs and benefits for workers and employers. Don't miss out on this important discussion by clicking the story below ⤵️ #PACERPlus #PLMAM2024 #LabourMobility Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, Jimmy Nipo, Jimmy Nanuman NIPO, Pita Foliaki Lokotui, Development Policy Centre, Charlotte Bedford, Alisi Holani

The 52nd meeting of the Pacific Forum Leaders in 2023 directed the development of Pacific regional labour mobility principles, in collaboration with the PACER Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU), and other relevant agencies to ensure synergies and avoid unnecessary duplication in the proposed development of the principles. The first regional consultation for the development of the Pacific regional labour mobility principles was held in Coral Coast, Fiji on 25-27 September. In this consultation, the PPIU was represented by the Labour Mobility Specialist, Dr. Alisi Holani, who delivered a presentation on measures to improve coherence and alignment across regional processes and frameworks for labour mobility. The PPIU stands ready to continue supporting the development of the Pacific regional labour mobility principles as directed by Pacific Forum Leaders. #PACERPlus #LabourMobility #Regionalism

Fa'afetai lava to Mr. Shivnay Ram, Air New Zealand's Pacific Islands Sales Manager for Cargo, for visiting the PACER Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU)! It was great discussing Air Freight options for our exporters. Thanks to this partnership, fresh Samoan taro is now reaching the New Zealand market even faster! Exporters from the Cook Islands, Niue, Samoa, or Tonga -- if you want to learn more about Air Freight, drop us a message today. Let's get your products moving! ✈️🌏 #PACERPlus #PacificExport #PacificTrade #Export Cook Islands Chamber of Commerce, Niue Chamber of Commerce, Lita Lui

The PACER Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU) is seeking qualified individuals or organisations to facilitate a 360° performance assessment for the Head of PPIU. The selected firm will design and conduct the process, gathering feedback from staff, PACER Plus Parties, and stakeholders. Interested parties are encouraged to apply now. For more information and to apply, click below ⤵️

Cathliro Commodities, a women-led cocoa producer in Solomon Islands, has just received a food dehydrator funded by PACER Plus! This equipment will boost their capacity to process and export value-added cocoa products and dried fruits like pineapple, banana, and mango. Founder Diana Yates said the machine is a game-changer, allowing Cathliro to diversify and reach boutique overseas markets. Solomon Islands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade Permanent Secretary, Mr. Collin Beck, and PACER Plus's Roy Lagolago praised Cathliro's role in driving local agriculture and empowering farmers. Exciting times ahead for Solomon Islands' cocoa industry! #PACERPlus #SolomonIslands #SupportLocal #Cocoa Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Natalia Patternot, Tristein Zutu

Six women leading the cacao industry development in Solomon Islands recently toured New Zealand with support from PACER Plus and The Cacao Ambassador to connect with premium cacao buyers and chocolate makers. The trip was aimed to enhance their skills, understanding of health and safety, packaging, and New Zealand consumer preferences. These inspiring women, also producers of value-added cacao and local chocolate, will bring back valuable knowledge to share with their communities. The visit also aimed to educate New Zealanders about the farms behind their favourite chocolate, building stronger connections between the two PACER Plus countries. #PACERPlus #Cacao #SolomonIslands Oonagh Browne, Fine Chocolate Industry Association, Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Tristein Zutu

Thank you to the Australia Pacific Islands Business Council for the invitation to speak at the 13th Australia Solomon Islands Business Forum. The forum provides the opportunity for Australia and Solomon Islands businesses to connect and discuss areas of interest. Mr. Roy Lagolago, Head of the PACER Plus Implementation Unit, presented on the opportunities under PACER Plus. The Prime Minister of Solomon Islands, Hon. Jeremiah Manele, also spoke about the opportunities that PACER Plus offers but also the need to do more. Image: Mr. Lagolago (left) with Mr. Frank Yourn, the Executive Director of Australia Pacific Islands Business Council. #PACERPlus #SolomonIslands #PacificTrade Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Natalia Patternot, Tristein Zutu