Cook Islands exporters have the opportunity to apply for Pacific Trade Invest (PTI) Australia’s Covid-19 Freight Assistance Package.

The package is a monetary grant designed to support Pacific exporters in the wake of Covid-19 through the subsidisation of freight costs.

The initiative provides all eligible Pacific exporters including Cook Islands assistance towards freight costs incurred in the prior six months with grants of up to a maximum of A$2500 (NZ$2724) per enterprise on a 50/50 cost share basis awarded to successful applicants.

Informed by PTI Australia’s Pacific Islands Export Survey 2020 report which revealed that freight costs were one of the top three barriers to export faced by Pacific businesses, PTI Australia’s Covid-19 Freight Assistance Package was launched later that same year and since then, has seen over 40 successful applicants receive the monetary grant.

Cook Islands Chamber of Commerce chief executive Rebecca Tavioni said: “It is great to see Pacific Trade Invest offer their Covid-19 Freight Assistance Package once again. This shows responsiveness to the market findings following their previous export survey. It is encouraging to see that the time businesses and NGO’s such as the Chamber of Commerce take to complete these surveys and liaise with these stakeholders produce such an impactful result.”

“Although this doesn’t bring down the overall cost of freight for all, this injection of funds into the qualifying businesses will be a welcomed event. Any business looking to apply or seek further information is encouraged to contact our office.”

Tavioni said the Chamber in collaboration with the Business Trade and Investment Board (BTIB) co-facilitated a workshop in February on “Exports and Imports”, with key presenters from Pacific Trade Invest.

During this workshop it was evident that one of the biggest challenges for local businesses exporting goods to overseas markets continues to be the cost of freight, she said.

All recipients of PTI Australia’s Covid-19 Freight Assistance Package must have a registered business in one of the Pacific Island Forum (PIF) Member countries, be currently exporting to Australia or utilising eCommerce to ship globally, or be an Australian-based importer importing products from a registered business in a PIF Member country.

Caleb Jarvis, PTI Australia’s trade and investment commissioner, said the package has been well received by Pacific exporters, providing tangible support where needed most.

“We are so pleased to witness the incredible impact the Covid-19 Freight Assistance Package has had on SMEs in the Pacific, and it has been wonderful to see the grant has also been commended for both its efficiency and effectiveness by our Pacific colleagues and policymakers.”

“During a time where the ongoing effects of Covid-19 have been immensely damaging to businesses in the Pacific, the Freight Assistance Package has enabled us to provide tangible, immediate and called for support at a time it was needed most.”

Designed to provide palpable relief to businesses in the Pacific during the unprecedented pressures the Covid-19 economic crisis has presented, the package also aims to support the growth in demand for Pacific goods and services in international markets and the long-term development of eCommerce in the Blue Pacific.

Founded in 1979, PTI Australia is an agency of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat. Funded by the Australian Government, it facilitates trade and investment in the Pacific Islands.