The Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER) Plus and its accompanying implementing arrangement provide a framework for trade-related development assistance in the Pacific.
Scope and objectives
PACER Plus members agree to complement and improve their existing development and economic cooperative partnership in trade and investment related areas. Members shall take into account the different levels of development and capacities of other members.
Work program and implementing arrangement
The development and economic cooperation objectives under PACER Plus will be achieved through a work program set out in: ‘Implementing Arrangement for Development and Economic Cooperation under Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations Plus’. Members shall contribute appropriately to the implementation of the work program.
Components of the work program will address the needs of the developing country members, as mutually prioritised and determined by members.
Focal points
Each PACER Plus member designates a focal point for all matters relating to the implementation of the work program. The focal points are responsible for overseeing and reporting on the implementation of the work program and responding to enquiries from other PACER Plus members.
Implementation and evaluation
PACER Plus members developed an implementation plan prior to the commencement of the work program. Members regularly monitor and evaluate the work program and provide periodic reports including final completion reports.
Review and modification
PACER Plus members will review the work program within three years of its commencement and thereafter at regular intervals in order to assess its effectiveness.
Implementing Arrangement
The Implementing Arrangement for Development and Economic Cooperation under Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations Plus is a side agreement to PACER Plus. This status as a side agreement allows it to be more easily updated by PACER Plus members.
The implementing arrangements establish how PACER Plus members implement the commitments on development and economic cooperation. This included the establishment of a PACER Plus Implementation Unit and a Budget Committee to manage the expenditure of the work program and resources.