Effective competition vital for PNG: Pruaitch

 EFFECTIVE competition in all areas of the economy and an effective competition regulator are important for Papua New Guinea, according to Minister for Treasury, Patrick Pruaitch.

Pruaitch was speaking on the Independent Consumer and Competition Commission’s 2011, 2012 and 2013 audited annual reports which said competition must not be reduced.

“The commission is concerned about the possible anti-competitive conduct in key industries which influence national economic performance and, consequently, the cost of living of the seven million people of PNG.” 

In promoting competition and fair trade, the commission dealt with a number of matters concerning mergers and acquisitions, code-share arrangements and others having competition implications.

Pruaitch said the commission stated in its report that it was giving priority to establishing “interim” bans on unsafe toys and children’s products. 

But it expects to work with the National Institute of Standards and Industrial Technology over the next year to introduce mandatory standards on other products.

The products banned are small high-powered magnets, yoyo water balls, toy-like lighters and certain baby pacifiers.

Others in the process to be banned are unsafe bunk beds, foodstuff that do not provide English language labeling, unsafe aquatic toys and unsafe baby walkers.

Pruaitch said the commission had a broad consumer protection role to protect the rights and interest of consumers.