The Cook Islands Deputy Prime Minister Mark Brown says Pacer Plus will have immediate benefits for his country when it comes into force later this year.
The Pacific trade deal for goods and services was signed in 2017 and by mid year the required number of countries will have ratified it, allowing the arrangement to come into force within weeks.
One of the countries that has indicated it is set to ratify is the Cook Islands and Mr Brown told Don Wiseman it's "a big deal" for his country.