The Pacific region's trade ministers, officials and advisors are gathering in Apia to deliberate on the Economic Partnership Agreement, or EPA, which is being sought by the European Union.
The Pacific Islands Forum secretary general, Tuiloma Neroni Slade, says the region needs to rally its efforts to seek a mutually beneficial agreement with the EU.
All the island countries that are members of the Forum are also part of the African/ Caribbean/Pacific group of countries that receive assistance from the EU.
Trade officials and ministers will also discuss regional trade issues concerning engagement with the World Trade Organisation, as well as Aid for Trade and developments under the Pacific Island Countries Trade Agreement, or PICTA.
