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Oxfam is calling for a new approach to negotiations on the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER) which are likely to be launched at the Pacific Islands Forum leaders meeting happening in Australia over the next few days. In a new report entitled ‘PACER Plus and its Alternatives: Which way for Trade and Development in the Pacific?’, Oxfam points out that there are viable alternatives to the standard Free Trade Agreement being pushed for by New Zealand and Australia. The report argues that what is needed is an economic co-operation agreement, with the Pacific’s development at its core. Oxfam New Zealand’s Executive Director, Barry Coates outlined what this would look like:

A development-friendly economic cooperation agreement must build on the region’s assets, accelerate broad-based and sustainable economic development, strengthen the Pacific’s resilience during the twin crises of global economic recession and climate change, and contribute to real progress towards the [UN] Millennium Development Goals

Among the possibilities suggested by Oxfam are removing the existing technical barriers to Pacific exports, while retaining the flexibility for Pacific governments to adopt targeted policies to add value to their natural resources, boost exports and better supply domestic markets. The organisation also sees this meeting as an opportunity for New Zealand to join with Pacific leaders in their call for urgent action on climate change, noting that “The focus should be on New Zealand accepting its responsibilities towards the survival of its island neighbours and their people.” along with Greenpeace, Oxfam is calling for New Zealand to commit to a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020. New Zealand’s government is only committing to a 15% reduction despite public opinion wanting more. Environment minister Nick Smith claims 40% is to expensive, though a study conducted by the Green Party is challenging this idea.