The European Union and Pacific Island states have reaffirmed their commitment to stronger economic cooperation and inclusive trade following the conclusion of the 11th EU–Pacific Interim Economic Partnership Agreement (iEPA) Trade Committee meeting in Suva.

Co-chaired by the European Union and Fiji, the meeting brought together iEPA member countries Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa and Solomon Islands, alongside Pacific nations seeking to join the Agreement.

Observer countries included the Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Niue, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu, highlighting the growing regional interest in the iEPA.

Discussions centred on priority areas such as agricultural value chains, economic diversification, geographical indications, organic agriculture, investment facilitation, sustainability and development cooperation.

Participants also exchanged views on improving market access and strengthening economic resilience across Pacific economies.

The Trade Committee welcomed progress made by Pacific states pursuing accession and encouraged continued engagement to support their preparedness to join the Agreement.

The meeting further examined the Regional Kava Development Strategy, acknowledging its significance for livelihoods, cultural heritage and value-added export potential.

Broader global trade issues were also discussed, including preparations for the World Trade Organization’s 14th Ministerial Conference and cooperation under the Samoa Agreement.

The session concluded with the adoption of a joint communiqué, reaffirming the shared commitment of the EU and Pacific states to deepen cooperation under the iEPA and advance sustainable development across the region.