Australia has renewed its commitment to greater trade and economic integration in the Pacific as negotiations for the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations Plus trade agreement are held this week in Auckland.
Australia's Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop says her Government will provide 1.6 million US dollars over three years to the Office of the Chief Trade Adviser to help Pacific Forum Countries progress the PACER Plus negotiations with Australia and New Zealand.
Ms Bishop says the increased funding will help the Trade Adviser to continue to provide independent advice and assistance to Pacific Island countries participating in the PACER Plus negotiations.
She says this demonstrates the Australian Government's strong commitment to greater economic prosperity in the Pacific.
