FIJI will not join the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER) Plus if it does not make sense to the country.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Cooperatives and Small Medium Enterprises Manoa Kamikamica made the comment at the PACER Plus consultations in Suva yesterday as the coalition government explores the possibility of joining the trade and development agreement.
Fiji had actively participated in the PACER Plus negotiations but abstained from signing the agreement because it did not provide enough flexibilities and benefits to offset potential risks and costs.
“Fiji’s involvement in the negotiations of PACER Plus was driven by our commitment to fostering regional cooperation and ensuring that trade agreements truly serve as instruments of development,” Mr Kamikamica said.
While he noted the need to boost Pacific trade, said this was an area to be explored very closely.
“By doing so, PACER Plus promise to create jobs, boost economic growth and improve the livelihoods of our people by enhancing market access and using trade values.”
He said the economic landscape had changed domestically and internationally, “and a careful analysis of the agreement is needed whether in its current form, is it fully aligned to our development goals, and can it sufficiently address the structural changes needed by the Fijian economy”.
“This includes diversification and expansion of our narrow export base, resilience in our supply chains and balancing our trade deficit, including the deficit with Australia and New Zealand.
“As your government, it is our responsibility to ensure any trade agreement we intend to enter into must be fair, equitable, development oriented and benefit our country.
“We have a responsibility to protect our national interest and ensure the benefits of any agreement are tangible for our people. Embarking on PACER Plus must be in the interest of Fiji.”
He said it was crucial to reassess whether the initial decision to stay outside PACER PLUS remained in Fiji’s best interest.
“We must work together to determine whether PACER Plus as it stands can be a beacon for sustainable development that it is intended to be.”
