Senior trade officials from Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) member countries convened today at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat to discuss key trade and economic priorities that will help shape the region’s policy direction in the years ahead.
The annual Forum Trade Officials Meeting (FTOM), chaired by Solomon Islands High Commissioner to Fiji, Joseph Ma’ahanua, brings together senior trade officials from Forum member countries, technical observers and representatives of Council of Regional Organisations in the Pacific (CROP) agencies.
The meeting serves as the region’s main platform for trade officials to review policy priorities and provide recommendations for future consideration by Pacific trade ministers.
While the next Forum Trade Ministers Meeting (FTMM) is scheduled for 2027, officials meeting this week are expected to address a broad range of issues affecting trade, economic development and regional integration across the Blue Pacific.
A key focus of discussions will be the review of the regional architecture relating to trade, including identifying challenges and opportunities to strengthen regional cooperation and improve policy coordination.
Officials will also consider the next steps for implementing the Pacific Regional Labour Mobility Principles, an area increasingly viewed as critical to supporting economic growth, skills development and employment opportunities across the region.
Another major agenda item is deepening regional integration through trade policy implementation. Discussions will focus on Pacific-led initiatives such as the Pacific Aid for Trade Strategy 2026–2030 and the Pacific Regional Private Sector Strategy, both aimed at supporting sustainable economic development and expanding opportunities for Pacific businesses.
The meeting will receive updates from the Pacific Trade Invest Network on efforts to advance business development and increase export opportunities for Pacific Island countries in international markets.
Trade officials will also review the outcomes of the World Trade Organisation’s 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14), held in Yaoundé, Cameroon, from 26 to 30 March 2026.
Particular attention will be given to ongoing WTO negotiations on the Fisheries Subsidies Agreement, especially issues relating to overfishing and overcapacity, and their implications for Pacific economies that depend heavily on marine resources.
The protection and commercial development of kava will also feature prominently on the agenda.
Officials are expected to discuss the proposed Kava Declaration, which seeks to protect the origin and cultural heritage of kava while supporting the commercial trade of kava and related products for the economic benefit of Pacific countries.
The meeting will further explore opportunities to strengthen links between trade, environmental protection and climate change policies as Pacific countries seek to build more resilient and sustainable economies.
The outcomes of the Forum Trade Officials Meeting are expected to provide strategic guidance for future regional trade discussions and help ensure Pacific priorities are reflected in global and regional trade negotiation.
