PACIFIC NATIONS ADVANCE REGIONAL COOPERATION IN SERVICES TRADE WORKSHOP
Regional participants attend the PACER Plus Advanced Pacific Regional Trade in Services and Project Proposal Workshop in Suva, Fiji. (Photo
In a pivotal moment for the Pacific region, the PACER Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU), in collaboration with the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), recently concluded the Pacific Regional Advanced Trade in Services (TIS) and Project Proposal Workshop in Suva, Fiji, from January 16-19, 2024. This event marked a significant stride forward in fostering regional collaboration and empowering Pacific nations to navigate the intricacies of services trade.
The workshop, building on the foundation laid by the PPIU's Introductory TIS Workshop in Samoa in May 2023 and the Pacific Regional Introductory TIS Workshop and Proposal Clinic in Suva in September 2023, aimed to increase participants' understanding and capacity to negotiate and implement services commitments under PACER Plus and International Trade Agreements.
Ms. Olivia Phongkham, PPIU's Trade in Services and Investment Adviser, expressed her enthusiasm for the impact of the workshop, stating, "This workshop is an exciting event for Pacific Island Countries to maximize the opportunities services trade and investment provides the region. It also allows participants to share their experiences and knowledge with other countries, so that they can learn from each other and help build a community of practice."
The event provided a platform for participants to not only enhance their skills in negotiating and implementing services commitments but also to develop expertise in drafting bankable project proposals related to trade in services, e-commerce, and investment for PACER Plus and international organizations.
Mr. Shaheen Ali, Permanent Secretary to the Fijian Ministry of Trade, Co-operatives, SMEs, and Communications, underscored the significance of the initiative by stating, "To grow our trade in services, our private sector needs secure, consistent, and guaranteed access to markets in our region and beyond. Regional and bilateral trade agreements will play an important role in extending the services export market of the Pacific and the world."
Mr. Andrew Shepherd, Acting Deputy High Commissioner at the Australian High Commission in Fiji, highlighted the collaborative efforts involved, stating, "Australia values its partnership with Pacific nations in trade development. The success of this workshop reflects the shared commitment to fostering economic growth and prosperity in the region."
The workshop's success has prompted tentative plans for another event later in 2024, promising continued efforts towards economic growth and prosperity in the Pacific region. As Pacific nations work together to navigate the complexities of services trade, these initiatives serve as a testament to the power of collaboration in shaping a more prosperous future for the region.