PACER Plus a win-win situation.

Andrew Fanasia Jr

The Non-State Actor (NSAs) dialogue on the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relation (PACER) plus is seen as a win-win situation for Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands country.

Development Service Exchange General Secretary Mr. Collin Ruqebatu made this statement after the NSAs dialogue on Monday in Honiara.

In terms of Solomon Islands, he said there are a lot of advantages for us in this agreement but there are also high risks which need more consultation at the civil society level.

Mr. Ruqebatu stressed that Australia and New Zealand involvement in this agreement have conditions in this negotiation which the Pacific Islands will need to further consideration by the pacific island countries.

He also said as the dialogue continues, the NGOs in the Pacific and even the Australia and New Zealand have stressed the same sentiment about PACER plus, “PACER plus is not only about trade but it’s about the livelihood of the people of the pacific countries.

Mr. Ruqebatu said Solomon Islands civil society need to really understand PACER plus and work towards some of the key aspects that would qualify us to participate in this trade agreement positively and rewarding.

He added that the involvement of the NGOs and the civil society is what makes the trade more meaningful to the participating pacific islands countries.

He make mention of the need to have standard infrastructure, the quarantine system must be equivalent to Australia and New Zealand and the shipping service must be efficient.
Meanwhile, the CEO of the Pacific Islands Private Sector Organisations, Mereia Volavola however said, their involvement is critical because in any trade agreement the private sector is what makes the trade flow.
Speaking to the Express on Monday she said they appreciate this consultation but want to take it a step further.
“When it comes to negotiation we want the private sector representatives sitting there with the trade officials when they are going to engage in the negotiations.”

While there were constraints to governments’ capacity to engage with NSAs, Solomon Islands private sector is working closely with the Government to discuss PACER plus and identify key issues and potential impacts.