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Sports |
Stop politicising trade
I WRITE to express my disappointment
over the continuous transferring of trade functions between the
Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Commerce and
Industry.
In the last government, Paul Tiensten, now Minister of National
Planning and Rural Development, transferred the function of
trade from Ministry of Trade and Industry to Foreign Affairs and
Immigration.
Subsequently, the former Ministry of Trade and Industry had been
changed to Commerce & Industry. Likewise, Foreign Affairs &
Immigration also changed its name to Foreign Affairs & Trade
Ministry.
Now it is obvious that the new Minister for Commerce & Industry
Gabriel Kapris is proposing to move the trade function back to
Commerce and Industry.
The political whim is at its best with the trade function
transfer, and not the real interest of understanding how this
globe is being controlled by trade.
To politicians, if you think moving trade function is in the
best interest of this country, then you do so if you are
qualified.
We don’t want politicians winning elections to just come in and
stay for few weeks, months, or years and think that you can
shift trade functions according to your whims and desire.
It is about time politicians take into considerations following
facts:
*Are you capable and vested with international trade issues that
you can represent PNG’s interest at WTO negotiations, regional
trade agreements and free trade agreements?
*Your contribution to domestic trade and international trade
facilitation;
*Have negotiation skills and knowledge to negotiate market
access for PNG products to developed and developing countries;
and,
*Have a fair knowledge on other international trade arrangements
and treaties.
If you think that you can perform at least some of the above
tasks, then you can rightfully take trade function according to
your own will – at the expense of both business and ordinary
people.
Otherwise, it is a waste of time for bureaucrats teaching you in
these areas during your term when you could be replaced any time
by the Prime Minister.
Please enough of politicising trade functions because it is more
important than desire of individual politicians for short-term
glory. Leave the function with current ministry.
Silent observer
Port Moresby
 
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