Trade meeting successful: Envoy

By SHIRLEY MAULUDU
A RECENT meeting between Papua New Guinea and Fiji government officials on trade issues was a success, according to Fiji High Commissioner Esala Teleni.
The visit by the Fiji delegation was prompted by PNG’s concern over the refusal to accept PNG products such as corned beef, biscuit and rice.
A trade agreement among the Melanesian Spearhead Group countries allowed for free trade among its members – including PNG and Fiji.
Fiji, blaming biodiversity issues, refused to allow Trukai Rice, Lae biscuits and the Ox and Palm corned beef into the country.
Teleni said the matter had been sorted out.
“Only recently, we had the two countries meet in Port Moresby to sort out some outstanding trade issues. The meeting was positive and very successful,” Teleni said.
“This new cooperation strategy is to promote comprehensive development between Fiji and Papua New Guinea.
“Our membership of regional, sub-regional and international organisations only contribute to strengthening our bilateral relationship.
“This has created a momentum for all our partnerships between our two countries especially between trade, investment, education, employment, security and defence.
“I believe our bilateral traditional friendship and strategic partnership will continue to strive for peace, stability and prosperity in our sub-region of MSG and of course the Pacific region.”
Teleni was speaking during the 46th Independence anniversary celebration in Port Moresby attended by Foreign Affairs Minister Rimbink Pato.
Pato said PNG remained committed as always to the future of Fiji.