An Auckland based law professor believes that any decision reached on trade agreements will have no legal foundation due to the exclusion of Fiji from the meeting.
Radio New Zealand reported that Dr Jane Kesley told NGOs gathered in Apia ahead of the Trade Ministers meeting later this week that Fiji's absence will help New Zealand and Australia fast track changes to the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relationship or PACER- Plus.
Dr Kesley said Fiji has been one of the most rigorous in calling for caution, research and consultation before going forward with PACER-Plus and their exclusion appears to be likely to have the effect of allowing Australia and NZ to fast track the process with much less resistance than would occur otherwise.
The Trade Ministers meeting will be held in Apia, Samoa, later this week.
Decisions will have no legal foundation
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