Official calls for establishment of national trade policy

Business, Normal
Source:

The National, Tuesday July 28th, 2015

 GIVEN growing economic activities around the world that Papua New Guinea is taking part in, it is necessary for a trade policy to be put together for the country after almost 40 years, an official says. 

A source who did not want to be named said it was time the country had a trade policy in place as it would be hosting the 2018 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting.

The source said it would be an embarrassment if the country did not have the policy in place by 2018. “PNG is going to host the APEC meeting in few years’ time and it would be an embarrassment if we don’t have a specific trade policy in place or a dedicated office to deal with trade matters,” the source said

The National understands a week-long trade policy lock-up meeting is under way in Alotau, Milne Bay. 

The meeting, attended by officers from Department of Trade Commerce and Industry, aimed to compile a draft policy following regional consultations that were held between 2012 and 2013 after recommendations were made in previous years.

It is understood that after the draft policy is put together, it will be submitted to the National Executive Council for necessary approvals.