Concerns raised by activists around negotiations for the the proposed PACER Plus free trade deal have been dismissed by a spokesperson for the Pacific Island Forum countries.
The Australia- and New Zealand-led negotiations are due to wind up this month with the signing and ratification set to take place by December.
But the Pacific Network on Globalisation has consistently opposed PACER Plus, saying it favours Australia and New Zealand and raises concerns about sovereignty.
It has repeatedly called for a halt to negotiations until an independent impact assessment is conducted.
But in a joint statement the spokespeople for the island nations involved say PANG's views do not represent what the Forum countries think.
The lead spokesperson, Joseph Ma'ahanua from Solomon Islands, told Koroi Hawkins that PANG's statements are grossly misleading.
Listen
Photo: Supplied