Non State Actors and PACER Plus negotiators gather for Sixth Dialogue Featured
11 June, 2016. Civil Society and Private Sector representatives from Forum Member Countries are meeting in Nadi, on 10-11 June, for the sixth Non-State Actors (NSA) Dialogue on the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER) Plus, jointly organised by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat and the Office of the Chief Trade Adviser (OCTA).
The objective of the Dialogue is to build on discussions from earlier NSA Dialogues, provide an update on the status of the PACER Plus Negotiations, and facilitate further discussion of the issues covered in the negotiations. A key element of the talks will be around the draft impact assessments currently being undertaken by the OCTA.
“As we progress PACER Plus negotiations to conclusion, the full engagement of civil society and private sector are critical,” said Andie Fong Toy, Acting Secretary General at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat.
"The Parties are keen on hearing the views of the NSAs on the issues being negotiated in PACER Plus. They believe that their continued engagement will assist them to come up with a truly transformational agreement that would enhance the participation of the FICs in international trade," Dr Edwini Kessie, Chief Trade Adviser said.
“The Forum Leaders and Trade Ministers have called for trade negotiators to redouble their efforts and conclude the PACER Plus agreement this year. It is a significant undertaking for the region for improved economic opportunities for the people of all Forum island countries,” Ms Fong Toy added.
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