This week there has been some confusion in the Pacific over whether Australia was no longer prioritising PACER Plus since it was not listed as a trade objective in a recent policy statement.

However, Australia’s parliamentary secretary for the Pacific, Richard Marles has confirmed that PACER is still on the agenda.

Radio Australia reports:

Australia committed to Pacific trade deal

Australia’s commitment to a Pacific area trade deal – PACER Plus – remains firm, says a government member responsible for Pacific issues. 

 Doubts were raised about Australia’s attitude to PACER Plus earlier this week when it was not mentioned on a new list of priority free trade negotiations.

In a statement, Richard Marles, the parliamentary secretary for Pacific Island affairs, said PACER plus is not a traditional trade agreement but commitment to it remains firm.

He said Australia’s primary objective with the trade agreement is to promote sustainable economic development and integration in forum countries and to help them engage in global trade.

This follows an earlier story questioning PACER Plus continuing. 

According to Radio Australia, Australia may be going cold on the proposed PACER Plus trade agreement with the Pacific Islands…MORE.