The European Union and Fiji co-chaired a meeting of iEPA Parties, bringing together 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. The participation of these countries highlighted the growing importance of the iEPA across the Pacific region.
Discussions focused on key priorities under the Agreement, including agricultural value chains, diversification, geographical indications, organic farming, investment facilitation, sustainability, and development cooperation. Parties exchanged views on improving market access, strengthening economic resilience, and ensuring that trade contributes to sustainable growth.
The Trade Committee welcomed the progress made by Pacific states seeking accession and encouraged continued engagement to support their readiness to join the Agreement. In addition, the meeting addressed the Regional Kava Development Strategy, emphasizing its role in supporting livelihoods, preserving cultural heritage, and creating value-added export opportunities for Pacific producers.
Participants also discussed multilateral trade developments, including preparations for the WTO’s 14th Ministerial Conference and ongoing discussions under the Samoa Agreement, reaffirming their commitment to a rules-based multilateral trading system. The meeting concluded with the adoption of a Joint Communiqué, which confirmed the shared commitment of the EU and Pacific States to deepen cooperation under the iEPA and advance sustainable development across the region.
