Economic growth is one of the four priority areas identified by Forum Leaders in the Pacific Plan for strengthening regional cooperation and integration. 

Economic growth implementation priorities in the Pacific Plan (2006-2008) include:

• Expansion of market for trade in goods under the South Pacific Regional Trade and Economic  Cooperation Agreement (SPARTECA), the Pacific Island Countries Trade Agreement (PICTA)  and the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER), and with non-Forum trading partners 

• Integration of trade in services, including temporary movement of labour, into the Pacific Island Countries Trade Agreement (PICTA) and the Economic Partnerships Agreement (EPA) 

• Timely and effective implementation of the Regional Trade Facilitation Programme (RTFP) 

• Investigation of the potential impacts under the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER) of a move towards a comprehensive framework for trade (including services) and economic cooperation between Australia, New Zealand and the Forum Island Countries 

• Intensified development of proposals or strategies for regional bulk purchasing, storage and distribution of petroleum 

• Implementation of the Forum Principles on Regional Transport Services (FPRTS) including development of the Pacific Aviation Safety Office (PASO) and intensify focus on enhancing shipping services for Smaller Island States 

• Intensified implementation of a regional digital strategy for improving information and communication technology  

• Support of private sector mechanisms including through the Pacific Islands Private Sector Organisation (PIPSO)

These priorities are addressed via work programmes of the Forum Secretariat's Economic Governance department.