Over eight years of negotiations on the legal texts of the Pacific free trade agreement, known as PACER-Plus, are due to wrap up in New Zealand today.
Focusing on trade and economic integration, the agreement aims to create jobs, raise standards of living and encourage sustainable economic development in the Pacific region.
Trade ministers from Pacific Island Forum countries, including Australia and New Zealand, meet in Christchurch to discuss PACER plus. Photo: RNZI/Koroi Hawkins
Trade ministers from Pacific Island Forum countries, including Australia and New Zealand, are in Christchurch to discuss the final chapters and negotiations on the legal texts which will govern the proposed trade deal are meant to be wrapped up today.
Pacific trade officials said progress was being made and that negotiations had progressed to the political level.
However the agreement has been met with opposition.
A petition calling for a suspension of any decision on the agreement has been presented to regional trade ministers.
Earlier this month Papua New Guinea declared its withdrawal from the deal and Fijihas voiced reservations leading up to the meeting.