Standards vital for trade: Mori

STANDARDS are important for downstream processing and to ensure the nation is competent in international trade, Commerce and Industry Minister Wera Mori says.
He was at the National Institute of Standards and Industrial Technology (NISIT) as it celebrated World Standards Day in Port Moresby yesterday.
“The Government and standards developing organisations need to work together to ensure that our national products and services are accepted in the global market.
“As part of downstream processing, we will be processing our gold here,” he said.
“Our gold will be refined to the London bullion market standards, therefore standards are critical.”
NISIT director-general Victor Gabi said many PNG-owned businesses were struggling and could not compete with foreign companies partly because they did not meet standards.
“We want to add value to PNG companies so that their services are of acceptable standards,” Gabi said. “There are a lot of standards to be used but Papua New Guineans do not used these standards because they are not aware of them.
“Our aim now is to make sure businesses and consumers are aware of these standards and know how to use them to their advantage.
“Our key priorities are to make sure downstream processing really works, ensure that competitive small and medium-sized enterprises are equipped with accepted standards and support agriculture.”
The institute will start an outreach programme by establishing regional offices in Rabaul, Lae, Goroka and Port Moresby soon.