SUVA – U.S. Ambassador Joseph Cella today presided over a virtual signing ceremony for the creation of a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) between the United States of America and the Republic of Fiji. The TIFA creates a platform to develop and deepen bilateral trade and investment relations between the two countries. Fiji takes a multi-trade approach and is a signatory to a number of bilateral, regional and multilateral trade agreements. Achieving a high level of sustainable economic growth is an important development goal for the Forum countries. The Framework for Pacific Regionalism (2014) recognizes the need for a new inclusive and innovative approach that enables Heads of State and Government to address the unmet development needs of their populations. The Blue Pacific is an opportunity to demonstrate the value of networking within the Pacific – between traditional knowledge, science and integrated oceans management – and the fundamental link between oceans and trade and economic development. The Forum unites its common values, which guide all political development and implementation and work to deepen regionalism through economic and trade development (cooperation, integration, improved access to markets (goods, services, labour) and capital/finance. There are many opportunities for the region, including the emerging economies of our north, new trade agreements within PACER Plus for trade and investment, and the revival of existing trade agreements in the region. The Secretariat will seek to improve public financial management and diversify sources of financing, the private sector through its Pacific Trade and Invest Offices (Australia, New Zealand, Japan and China, others will follow), improve access to private capital, expand market space among members through existing contracts and the multilateral trading system. Increase investment and improve infrastructure in the region. The Forum secretariat`s policy work to address these challenges focuses on two main areas: the development and integration of regional trade and economic policy in counselling and advocacy.

Ambassador Cella said: „This is the right time for our two countries to create a TIFA and develop our trade relations, as Fiji last week celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of its independence. As a bridge builder, I look forward to working with the Department of Commerce and the U.S. Trade Representative to strengthen trade and investment ties under tifa. The TFA contains provisions to expedite the transport, provision and handling of goods, including goods in transit. .