PACER Plus impact study
FIJI is conducting an impact study which will include a comprehensive assessment of the PACER Plus legal text and the analysis of the Market Access Offer.
Revealing this, Minister for Industry, Trade and Tourism Premila Kumar said the study would evaluate the possible direct impact of PACER Plus on the Fijian economy.
“Such evaluation aim to assess the adjustment costs and benefits in terms of trade creation/diversion, revenue losses, producer and consumer welfare that Fiji is expected to face,” she said while speaking at the 25th Australia Fiji Business Forum in Brisbane, Australia on Thursday.
She said Fiji was still very much engaged as a negotiating party in the PACER Plus talks.
“It is worth noting that Fiji had initially narrowed its position in the Trade in Goods chapter to two issues, namely Infant Industry Development and Most Favoured Nation (MFN). Fiji has further narrowed its position to only one amendment to the MFN clause in the agreement.
“We have requested for a slight change in the MFN provision, which effectively removes the contentious third-party MFN obligation on Fiji.
“But I am also heartened by the suggestion made by Mr Jonathan Pryke of Lowey institute that Fiji and Australia should seriously consider a bilateral comprehensive trade and economic agreement. This is a valid suggestion, considering the maturity and history of our trading relations.”