The Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) trade ministers will meet in Apia, Samoa, on June 17-18 to consider a wide range of regional trade and related initiatives.

Developments in relation to the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER) will feature prominently in the discussions, the Suva-based Forum Secretariat said in a press release on Thursday.

The discussion includes the current and possible future operations of the Regional Trade Facilitation Program (RTFP) under PACER and the deepening of trade and economic cooperation among all Forum Members, a process generally referred to as PACER Plus.

In response to a directive from Forum Leaders made at their meeting in Niue last year, it is expected that Forum trade ministers will consider proposals from Forum officials relating toa road map to guide PACER Plus negotiations between Forum members.

"Forum leaders wish to move the PACER Plus process forward and Ministers and officials have been working hard since the 2008 Leaders' meeting to present positive recommendations in that regard for Leaders to consider when they next meet in Cairns," said Tuiloma Neroni Slade, Secretary General of the Forum Secretariat.

The meeting of Forum trade officials will be held in Apia on June 11-12 to prepare for the Forum trade ministers meeting.

Source:Xinhua