The Cook Islands Government has adopted and is currently implementing a number of key policy documents that have direct relevance to the country’s trade policy. These include the National Sustainable Development Agenda 2020+, the Economic Development Strategy 2030 and the National Security Policy (2023). While the Cook Islands had been experiencing significant economic growth prior to the pandemic, COVID-19 had an enormous impact on the economy with the country’s border being closed for many months. An Economic Recovery Roadmap was adopted to enable the Cook Islands to institute measures to resume its previous pattern of economic growth, supplementing the above policy documents.

In 2015, the Cook Islands adopted a Trade Policy Framework (TPF). While it had positive attributes, its use as an actual instrument for driving the Cook Islands’ trading activities and initiatives became somewhat reduced, sometimes inconsistent and less and less referred to over time. In the post-COVID-19 era, taking into account the above subsequent national policy documents and a changing international and regional trading environment (e.g. entry into force of PACER Plus), the importance of reviewing, refreshing and updating the TPF has been recognized by Government. The new TPF will need to provide a practical instrument for promoting the Cook Islands’ other national policies, including economic diversification and inclusion of all islands in the Framework. Effective implementation modalities will be critical and involve all key stakeholders.

A consultancy contract has been entered into between the Pacific Island Forum Secretariat (Secretariat) and Blackburn Consulting Limited (the Consultant) to provide consulting services to review the Cook Islands Trade Policy Framework and Implementation Plan.

The Consultant has subcontracted Tracey Epps (the Subcontractor) to assist with the Review.

The overall objective of this Project is to support the integration of the Cook Islands into the regional and global economy by reviewing, refreshing, and updating its 2015 TPF, and identifying further measures to be taken to create a conducive policy environment to foster regional and international trade and develop a productive private sector, including that in the Pa Enua, leading to sustainable economic growth and raise living standards in the country.

Jeff and Tracey will be visiting the Cook Islands to undertake consultations with government officials. Jeff will be visiting in the period 12-23 August, and Tracey will visit in the period 16-20 September. 

Jeff has already done consultations in Rarotonga, Atiu and Mangaia in mid-August. Tracey will be finishing off the consultations in Rarotonga and will be travelling to Aitutaki with the CEO of BTIB to commence meetings with stakeholders there on the 16^th They will be sharing with all stakeholders the draft TPF once completed and BTIB and MFAI will be hosting a National Validation workshop to verify the information. This will allow the consultants to compile all the relevant information and finalize the draft TPF.