New Zealand seeking greater Pacific economic integration at trade talks

New Zealand Trade Minister Todd McClay said Wednesday he will be looking for greater economic integration among Pacific nations at trade talks in Fiji this week.

McClay will head to Fiji Thursday to continue discussions with Fijian counterparts on PACER Plus, a regional trade and economic integration agreement involving all members of the Pacific Islands Forum, and deepen links with the Fijian private sector.

"As we move into the final stages of PACER Plus negotiations, we are working hard to conclude an agreement that benefits all Pacific islands countries and New Zealand, through promoting economic integration and sustainable economic development," McClay said in a statement.

"My discussions with Minister for Trade Faiyaz Koya will provide an opportunity to engage with and understand Fiji's perspectives on negotiations," he said.

"I will use my visit as an opportunity to meet with regional civil society stakeholders interested in PACER Plus and I also plan on meeting with New Zealand stakeholders interested in negotiations in the upcoming week."

Fiji was New Zealand's largest trading partner in the region and New Zealand continues to look for opportunities to deepen business and trade ties with Fiji, he said.

The PACER (Pacific Agreement on Close Economic Relations) Plus talks involve the 14 Pacific island states of the Pacific Islands Forum plus Australia and New Zealand.