Government of the Republic of Fiji
Government of the Republic of Fiji
01/30/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/31/2026 15:36
EU–PACIFIC IEPA TRADE COMMITTEE MEETING...
The 11th meeting of the EU-Pacific Interim Economic Partnership Agreement (iEPA) Trade Committee concluded in Suva, Fiji, reaffirming the strong partnership between the European Union and Pacific States and their shared commitment to sustainable and inclusive trade.
Co-chaired by the European Union and Fiji, the meeting brought together iEPA Parties-Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa and Solomon Islands-alongside Pacific observer countries pursuing accession, including the Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Niue, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu, underscoring the Agreement's growing regional relevance.
Discussions focused on key iEPA priorities such as agricultural value chains and diversification, geographical indications, organic farming, investment facilitation, sustainability and development cooperation, with exchanges on improving market access and strengthening economic resilience.
The Trade Committee welcomed progress on accession by interested Pacific states and encouraged continued engagement to support their readiness to join the Agreement.
The meeting also addressed the Regional Kava Development Strategy, recognising its importance for livelihoods, cultural heritage and value-added export opportunities, and discussed multilateral trade developments, including preparations for the WTO's 14th Ministerial Conference and engagement under the Samoa Agreement.
The meeting concluded with the adoption of a joint communiqué, reaffirming the EU and Pacific States' commitment to deepen cooperation under the iEPA and advance sustainable development.
Co-chaired by the European Union and Fiji, the meeting brought together iEPA Parties-Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa and Solomon Islands-alongside Pacific observer countries pursuing accession, including the Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Niue, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu, underscoring the Agreement's growing regional relevance.
Discussions focused on key iEPA priorities such as agricultural value chains and diversification, geographical indications, organic farming, investment facilitation, sustainability and development cooperation, with exchanges on improving market access and strengthening economic resilience.
The Trade Committee welcomed progress on accession by interested Pacific states and encouraged continued engagement to support their readiness to join the Agreement.
The meeting also addressed the Regional Kava Development Strategy, recognising its importance for livelihoods, cultural heritage and value-added export opportunities, and discussed multilateral trade developments, including preparations for the WTO's 14th Ministerial Conference and engagement under the Samoa Agreement.
The meeting concluded with the adoption of a joint communiqué, reaffirming the EU and Pacific States' commitment to deepen cooperation under the iEPA and advance sustainable development.
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