Pacific trade ministers have agreed to double their efforts to conclude the regional PACER Plus free trade agreement.
The announcement came at the end of the Pacific Islands Forum Trade Minister meeting in Rarotonga, which was attended by representatives from 14 Pacific countries plus Australia and New Zealand.
The ministers also agreed to intensify consultations with civil society and public sector organisations to try and enhance Pacific countries' presence in international trade.
The meeting aimed to enhance Pacific regionalism by creating an environment conducive for trade, economic growth and development, while acknowledging the need for climate change adaptation and sustainable development.