A United Nations body has launched a $US2 million project to help Pacific Island countries adapt to the PACER Plus trade agreement.
Representatives who signed the PACER Plus trade agreement in Tonga Photo: Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat
The free trade deal aims to boost goods, services and investment between New Zealand, Australia and nine island neighbours by limiting tariffs.
The UN's trade and development group says the 18-month initiative, funded by New Zealand and Australia, will help align the countries' trade environments with each other.
The project will include training workshops, a network of transparency committees and a regional trade hub for the Pacific.
The Samoa Observer reported last week that New Zealand and Australia are providing $US18.5 million in implementation assistance to PACER Plus signatories.