• Assistant Minister Nita Green in Honiara for PACER Plus talks and high-level bilateral engagements.

AUSTRALIA’S Assistant Minister for Pacific Island Affairs, Senator the Hon Nita Green, is in Honiara this week for her first official visit to Solomon Islands, where she will represent Australia at the PACER Plus Ministerial Meeting (PPMM) and hold discussions on key priorities in the bilateral partnership.

The PPMM marks five years since the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER) Plus came into force.

PACER Plus is recognised as the region’s most modern rules-based trade framework, designed to drive regional economic integration and expand opportunities for free trade and investment across the Pacific.

Assistant Minister Green said she looked forward to engaging closely with Solomon Islands’ leadership during the visit.

“During my visit, I will meet with Peter Shanel Agovaka, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and other senior members of Cabinet, to discuss priorities in the bilateral partnership,” she said in a statement.

“Australia is Solomon Islands’ economic, trade, and development partner of choice. I look forward to engaging on skills and job growth, and in the context of the 16 Days of Activism highlighting our partnership to combat gender-based violence.” She said.

She added that Australia remains committed to long-term cooperation that reflects Solomon Islands’ own priorities.

“Australia is making commitments for the long term, listening and responding to Solomon Islands’ priorities. Australia is a partner that Solomon Islands can count on. We work hand in hand because we are a family who share an ocean and a future.”

Yesterday, Assistant Minister Green met with Minister Shanel, where discussions focused on enhancing regional economic integration, including through Australia’s ongoing support for PACER Plus.

Ministers also discussed priorities for the partnership, including climate change and labour mobility programs such as the PALM Scheme and Australia’s Pacific Engagement Visa.

The PACER Plus Ministerial Meeting will provide a platform for member countries to reinforce their commitment to rules-based trade and their shared vision for a more interconnected regional economy.

Meanwhile, the Ninth Meeting of the PACER Plus Joint Committee is currently taking place in Honiara, bringing together Pacific Island representatives to chart the next phase of regional collaboration.

The gathering is expected to produce decisions that will guide regional cooperation well beyond 2023.