The Morrison administration is working to improve regional economic and development
cooperation as Pacific trade ministers meet today. The virtual trade conference was held for
the first time on December 13, 2020, following the entry into force of the Pacific Closer
Economic Relations Plus (PACER Plus) Agreement.
Minister for Trade, Tourism, and Investment Dan Tehan said the PACER Plus deal was a vital
part of Australia’s Indo-Pacific commitment.
‘We consider the Pacific countries to be friends and neighbours. PACER Plus will make us
more prosperous and secure by working together to expand our economies, create
employment, and strengthen commerce,’ added Tehan.
According to Pacific Minister for International Development Zed Seselja, the PACER Plus
meeting addressed providing a $25 million development and economic work package co-
financed by Australia.
‘PACER Plus will encourage commerce and investment across the Pacific, which we know
has been heavily struck by the pandemic,’ Minister Seselja added. “The PACER Plus will help
the Pacific region’s economy revive.
Australia, the Cook Islands, Kiribati, Niue, Samoa, the Solomon Islands, Tonga, and New
Zealand have all signed the agreement.
