Naqia sets policy to address biosecurity

THE National Agriculture Quarantine and Inspection Authority (Naqia) will complete a biosecurity policy to address food security, animal cruelty and create conductive environment for economic development, says managing director Joel Alu.
Alu said Naqia was working with Government agencies and private stakeholders to finalise a draft of the policy to be submitted to the National Executive Council for approval this year.
“The policy will set the foundation to developing directives and plans, formulating enabling legislation, reflect international standards and best practices on biosecurity and create a conductive environment towards developing Papua New Guinea economy,” he said.
“Enacting the Biosecurity Bill will not only strengthen PNG’s conformity to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) agreements on sanitary and phytosanitary measures and trade facilitation.”
During a biosecurity policy consultation workshop in Port Moresby yesterday, Alu said the policy would provide an effective biosecurity legislation to protect PNG from harmful pests and diseases and injuries contaminants affecting plants and animals to safe guard agriculture, the environment, human well-being, the economy and international trade.
“The policy will modernise the biosecurity system in PNG as it contains international best practices.”
Australian High Commission counsellor Derek Brown said the policy and bill would improve trade and market access opportunities to international markets.
“An essential step is to support PNG modernise its relevant trade and investment architecture, to enhance business confidence and investor certainty which will benefit bilateral trade and investment opportunities,” he said.
“As such, supporting PNGs biosecurity framework and systems is key to our mutual interest in upholding international trading rules.”