EU-Pacific iEPA Trade Committee Meeting Reinforces Partnership and Economic Opportunities

Co-chaired by the European Union and Fiji, the meeting brought together iEPA Parties - Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, and Solomon Islands - alongside Pacific observer countries pursuing accession, including the Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Niue, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu. Their participation highlighted the growing relevance of the Agreement across the Pacific region.

Discussions focused on key priorities under the iEPA, including agricultural value chains and diversification, geographical indications, organic farming, investment facilitation, sustainability, and development cooperation.

The Parties exchanged views on improving market access, strengthening economic resilience, and ensuring trade supports sustainable growth.

The Trade Committee welcomed progress on accession processes by interested Pacific states and encouraged continued engagement to support their readiness to join the Agreement.

Separately, the meeting addressed the Regional Kava Development Strategy, highlighting its importance for livelihoods, cultural heritage, and value-added export opportunities for Pacific producers.

Participants also exchanged views on multilateral trade developments, including preparations for the WTO’s 14th Ministerial Conference and discussions under the Samoa Agreement, reaffirming their support for a rules-based multilateral trading system.

The meeting concluded with the adoption of a Joint Communiqué, confirming the shared commitment of the EU and Pacific States to deepen cooperation under the iEPA and advance sustainable development.