The Pacific ACP Trade Officials Meeting (PACPTOM) and the Forum Trade Officials Meeting (FTOM)  convened on February 26-27, 2025, in Suva, Fiji, under the theme “Fostering Trade to Build a Resilient and Sustainable Pasifiki.” The CEO for the Ministry of Trade and Economic Development, Distaquaine Tuihalamaka, Chaired both meetings. The meetings brought together senior officials from Pacific ACP States, CROP agencies, development partners, and observers and addressed critical trade-related issues within the context of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, focusing on resilience, sustainability, and regional cooperation. 

Key discussions included the review of regional trade architecture, the Pacific Aid-for-Trade Strategy, the Regional Kava Development Strategy, Labour mobility, traditional knowledge protection, trade and environment, and updates on various trade arrangements and private sector development. The meeting aimed to provide recommendations to Forum Trade Ministers for further action and strategic direction.

Tonga played a key role in guiding crucial trade discussions at the combined Pacific ACP (PACP) and Forum Trade Officials (FTOM) meetings, both of which are shaping the Pacific’s economic path forward. Discussions spanned critical areas, from securing continued EU funding through the Pac-TSD program and navigating the complexities of the EUDR, to broader regional strategies for kava development, Labour mobility, and sustainable trade. Tonga’s active participation ensured its voice was heard, advocating for policies that bolster local industries and promote resilient, inclusive growth, directly translating to enhanced market access and economic opportunities for the Tongan people.