Casting the net to define the PACER ‘Plus’

Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER) Plus is a regional economic agreement. This paper figures that the experience of negotiating a trade deal between this bloc and the EU alerted trade officials and civil society groups in the Pacific countries of the need to be better prepared next time around. Consequently, the paper presents an overview of how an informed and inclusive national dialogue can ensure wider appreciation of the different options for participation in PACER Plus discussions.

The document clarifies that it is time now for preparation as the Pacific states have agreed to commence PACER Plus negotiations with Australia and New Zealand.

Key messages are that:

• the Pacific officials need to commence a truly inclusive and well thought out national dialogue, and a coherent framework to engage, mediate and negotiate the different interests is required
• concerned options need to be communicated in terms that do not alienate those not familiar with the technical trade jargon, so that each country can better determine the direction they want to take the talks
• national consultations will allow a fuller assessment of the opportunities and challenges under PACER Plus, but the prerequisite for this is the effective participation of all stakeholders
• a national dialogue may not resolve the fundamental ideological differences that underpin the trade debate, but can be an effective consensus building tool (consensus is a typically Pacific way of decision making)
• the process must be responsive and provide feedback to participants, and there needs to be a clear link to the policy and decision making processes with achievable results demonstrated for all to see

However, the author stresses that there is no “one-size-fits all” framework to guide national consultations as each country has specific national interests as well as political, social and economic context.