Fiji and PNG Trade issues need speedy recovery, minister Marum says

Papua New Guinea Trade, Commerce and Industry Minister Richard Maru has told a team of Fiji Government officials that both countries needed to resolve trade issues between them.

Officials from Fiji’s Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism and the Biosecurity Authority are in Port Moresby to iron out issues regarding the import of certain PNG goods. Maru, said it was in the interest of both countries to reach a speedy resolution to the trade row.

“We are determined to have more of your trade missions here and we would like to come to the Bula country too and bring our goods and our products to Fiji and that’s why this dialogue over the next three days is very important to us well and I want to assure of every support,” said Maru.

Officials representing the two governments are expected to resolve the issue of biosecurity pathways.

They will also discuss other issues that can facilitate bilateral trade. The Fiji delegation includes Trade Commissioner to PNG Navitalai Tuivuniwai, veterinarian Dr Sian Watson, Chief Plant Protection Officer Nilesh Ami Chand and Ronal Prasad, the team leader for trade facilitation and compliance.

PNG is represented by officials from Department of Trade, Commerce and Industry, Department of PM and NEC, Naqia, NISIT, Department of Justice and Attorney-General, High Commissioner to Fiji Lucy Bogari, Department of Agriculture and Livestock and Health.

Minister for Industry, Trade and Tourism Faiyaz Siddiq Koya said Fiji was looking forward to stronger trade and economic relations with PNG.... Pacnews