2016 year of trade, Maru says

 TRADE, Commerce and Industry Minister Richard Maru says 2016 will be Papua New Guinea’s year of trading but in a more aggressive way.

“This year, as I have announced in Fiji, I will be leading a major trade and investment delegation into Fiji for the roadshow,” Maru said.

“Two aims: one is to bring our private sector to go and take advantage of those opportunities there to export out sugar, canned fish, coffee, fresh fish, and biscuits.

“I’ve made it known to Fiji that we are coming. 

“My message to PNG is that to get ready and let’s go.

“We’ve been talking to the Fiji Government about the possibility of having Fiji Airways to do code-sharing.”

He said one of his agenda this year was to take a trade and investment team to explore opportunities in West Papua, Indonesia.

“With regards to Indonesia, I will be leading a small team to West Papua first to meet with the Governor to ensure a full bilateral agreement so I can visit. After the visit, appreciating the market and opportunities, I intend to come back and organise a full trade investment mission to West Papua.”