Pacific Trade Ministers have welcomed the draft Kava Declaration, marking a significant step toward safeguarding kava’s cultural and economic importance across the region.
At the Pacific ACP and Forum Trade Ministers Meeting in Suva last week, Fiji Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica and his counterparts supported enhanced legal protections and the development of geographical indications for kava.
Ministers tasked a technical working group with concrete next steps for national and international GI registration.
This aims to bolster kava’s brand value and protecting its traditional roots.
Kamikamica said this move reflects the Pacific’s commitment to cultural preservation, economic empowerment, and regional identity through trade cooperation.
Pacific Trade Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, prioritising stronger regional coordination to boost trade, mobility, and health outcomes
During a meeting in Suva last week, the ministers recognised labour mobility as a key regional economic driver and agreed to finalise non-binding Pacific Regional Labour Mobility Principles for endorsement by Pacific Leaders.
They also endorsed the Pacific Aid-for-Trade Strategy 2026–2030, with a strong focus on digital trade and trade facilitation, areas expected to open new markets and build economic resilience.