The Cook Islands delegation contributed to key discussions focused on deepening economic integration across the Pacific through trade facilitation at a regional meeting in Solomon Islands earlier this month.

Led by Jim Armistead, director of the international and trade division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI), Cook Islands participated in the Eighth Meeting of the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER) Plus Joint Committee, held on 5–6 May 2025 in Honiara.

PACER Plus is a landmark trade and development agreement aimed at increasing exports and improving living standards across the region.

According to MFAI, the meeting agenda included reports from subsidiary bodies on trade in goods, rules of origin, customs procedures, technical barriers to trade, trade in services, investment and labour mobility.

Delegates also discussed the potential renewal of the Development Economic Cooperation (DEC) Work Programme and the future direction of PACER Plus beyond 2025.

“PACER Plus opportunities in the DEC Work Programme have been extremely beneficial to the Cook Islands in recent years. Under the leadership of our national coordinator, Dr. Jim Gosselin, our activities under PACER Plus have significantly increased,” said Armistead.

Negotiations focused on ensuring the Cook Islands’ interests and priorities are reflected in the renewed DEC.

Drawing from national trade priorities raised by stakeholders, the Cook Islands emphasised the importance of stronger border security to combat illicit trade and increased technical support for future projects.

The delegation joined other Parties in highlighting the need to integrate private sector support into PACER Plus’s strategic priorities, recognising its growing role in boosting export rates, MFAI said.

The outcomes of the meeting will guide the renewal of the DEC Work Programme, with further discussions planned for the Joint Committee’s next meeting in October 2025, marking a key step in PACER Plus’s ongoing development.