Fiji remains strategically focused on leveraging the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations to boost economic growth in the country.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Manoa Kamikamica highlighted this in Parliament today when Assistant Minister for Agriculture Tomasi Tunabuna asked about Fiji’s plan on PACER Plus.
Responding to the question, Kamikamica says Fiji is carefully analysing the potential impact of the PACER Plus agreement especially considering Fiji’s unique economic structure and the existing trade deficit with Australia and New Zealand.
He says the Ministry is engaging in national consultations to determine whether PACER Plus would benefit Fiji, with discussions set to continue in a trilateral meeting with Australian and New Zealand Trade Ministers on the 20th of this month in Rotorua.
Meanwhile, Opposition member Faiyaz Koya raised concerns about market access offers and Fiji’s ability to protect its economic policy space.
Kamikamica says Fiji's involvement in PACER Plus would hinge on whether the agreement is beneficial for Fiji which will emphasise the importance of export diversification and protecting Fiji’s economic interests.
Premila Kumar also questioned the potential impact of the trade deficit on Fiji’s economy and the importance of ensuring market access for Fijian products in Australia and New Zealand.
Kamikamica adds Fiji would continue to explore pathways for economic diversification, ensuring any agreement serves the nation’s best interests.
