EU and Fiji Hold Global Sourcing Workshop to Advance Pacific Trade and Fisheries Development

EU and Fiji Hold Global Sourcing Workshop to Advance Pacific Trade and Fisheries Development

The Fiji Government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, today hosted a Global Sourcing Workshop in Suva, facilitated by the European Union (EU). The Workshop aimed to support Pacific Interim Economic Partnership Agreement (IEPA) Parties and their industry stakeholders in making effective use of the Global Sourcing provision under the EU-Pacific IEPA.

Organised on the margins of the 11th EU-Pacific Interim Economic Partnership Agreement (IEPA) Trade Committee Meeting, the workshop highlights Fiji's strong leadership and commitment to trade-led economic development. Under the EU-Pacific IEPA, Global Sourcing allows Pacific IEPA countries to source fisheries products from anywhere in the world, process them locally, and export duty-free and quota-free access to the EU market - provided the full respect of the sustainability of the supply chain. By hosting the event and opening it to all IEPA Parties, Fiji provided an inclusive regional platform for dialogue, knowledge-sharing and practical guidance on how the IEPA can support investment, value addition and employment in the Pacific States.

The workshop focused on the requirements and practical steps needed to benefit from Global Sourcing, including rules of origin, food safety and labelling standards, sustainability requirements, and compliance with EU fisheries regulations and international labour standards. Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands shared their positive experiences, demonstrating how the provision has already supported their onshore fish processing, increased exports and job creation, particularly for women. Fiji's prominent role was further underscored by its recent activation of the Global Sourcing provision, opening new opportunities for the development of its fisheries sector and for greater participation in regional and global value chains.

The EU reaffirmed its long-standing partnership with the Pacific and its commitment to a development-oriented trade relationship. Through the IEPA, the EU offers asymmetric and preferential access to its market for Pacific partners, reflecting their specific economic circumstances and development needs. This market access is complemented by EU support for sustainable fisheries management, capacity building and trade-related development cooperation.

The workshop reaffirmed the shared commitment of Fiji, other Pacific IEPA Parties and the EU to promoting sustainable trade, strengthening local industries and supporting inclusive economic growth across the region.