Posted on 05 October 2023
The Pacific ACP meeting commenced in Fiji on October 3, which unites Pacific members of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS). The focus of the meeting is on sustainable development, but more specifically discussions explore trade agreements and opportunities in the region.
H.E Jim Armistead, High Commissioner of Cook Islands to Fiji and Chair of the meeting, provided the welcome address saying “trade is an essential catalyst for achieving greater regional economic integration through harmonization of our trade-related systems, processes and regulations and freer movement of goods and services across borders.”
He emphasised the summit’s importance in relation to the Pacific islands Forum Leaders Meeting taking place from 6-10 November 2023, saying he anticipated conversations occurring at this meeting that were “situated and connected to the broader policy framework and decisions of our Leaders."
With historically the ACP Trade Meeting focusing on EU relations, Armistead said this year in contrast “it is heartening to see relations with other emerging and non-traditional markets being considered as well, especially as a means to support economic recovery efforts following COVID-19.”