US seeking greater trade ties with PNG

ABOUT K360 million was exported to the United States last year, a volume which has often varied in recent years, United States Embassy Port Moresby Economic officer Brad Coley says.
Coley told The National the embassy was looking at ways to increase trade and a recent agreement would allow them to provide US Department of Commerce services to businesses coming into PNG.
“Based on the most recent trade statistics from the United States Census Bureau, in 2017, PNG exported a total of US$120.8 million (about K389.6mil) of goods and services to the US,” he said.
“PNG imported US$105.9 million (about K341.6mil) in goods and services from the US.
PNG’s imports from the US have been relatively steady in dollar terms, while its exports have fluctuated over the years.
“The US government and our embassy in Port Moresby are committed to growing business presence in PNG, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu.
“We have recently concluded a Partnership Post Agreement with our Foreign Commercial Service Office in Sydney.
“The agreement allows us to offer the full suite of US Department of Commerce services to American businesses interested in the three countries that we cover.”
He said the services provided include introductions between American companies and possible PNG customers and clients as well as background check services on PNG companies that are prospective partners or distributors for American businesses.
“PNG is a place where personal relationships and networks are tremendously important,” Coley said.
“We are excited to be able to connect American businesses with the right people or businesses in PNG.
“We are lucky that many Papua New Guineans want American products and services.
“Our job is to make it a bit easier for American and PNG companies to connect.”