Fiji writes to member countries over PACER Plus

Fiji has written to all member countries of the Pacific Islands Forum on its desire to suspend part two of the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations or commonly known as PACER Plus.

Foreign Minister, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola confirms Fiji's intention to suspend part two of PACER plus has occurred as a consequence of a material breach of Fiji's interests by the inadequate response of parties to Fiji's request for consultations, under Article 15 of PACER  and the continued illegal exclusion of Fiji from participation in trade discussions and negotiations relating to the PACER agreement.

According to Kubuabola Fiji had requested that parties enter into consultations regarding Fiji's unlawful exclusion from meetings and decisions of PACER parties.

Under article 15 of the PACER, Kubuabola said parties are mandated to respond as soon as possible, in good faith and with a view to reaching a mutually satisfactory solution.

Kubuabola said out of the 15 forum member countries only Solomon Islands has responded in good faith to Fiji's request for consultation.

Kubuabola further states that Fiji would proceed with invoking suspension on the grounds of material breach, unless the material breach is remedied by fully reinstating Fiji's rights as a state party to PACER within a period of 30 days.