Fijian Biosecrity Officials travel to PNG's Industrial City of Lae

A team of technical officials from Fiji and PNG will be visiting Lae tomorrow (Wednesday 28/09/16) to conduct Import Risk Assessment on PNG made products including Trukai Rice and Lae Snax Biscuts.

The officials will visit Trukai Industries Limited, the manufacturer of trukai rice and Paradise Foods Limited for snacks biscuts.

The visit is aimed at specifically resolving the issue of Biosecurity between PNG and Fiji so both countries can trade with each other freely without trade barriers as per the Free Trade Agreement signed between all Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) member countries (MSGTA2).

Minister for Trade Commerce & Industry, Richard Maru said for 10 years, Fiji has not allowed PNG made Ox & Palm into their country on biosecurity reasons therefore this needs to be addressed to allow Ox & Palm and other commercial PNG made products to be exported into Fiji.

He said the PNG Government is keen to see more PNG products entr the Fijian market and other unentered markets in the Pacific.

“Manufacturers of PNG made products including Trukai rice and Ox & Palm can now export their products into Fiji once all issues regarding biosecurity is addressed”, said Minister Maru.

Minister Maru has thanked the Fijian Government for including the Lae leg on their trip.

The delegation from Fiji include Fijian Trade Commissioner to PNG, Mr Navitalai Tuivuniwai, Chief Veterinarian, Dr Sian Watson, Chief Plant Protection Officer,Mr Nilesh Ami Chand and Mr Ronal Prasad who is Team Leader for Trade Facilitation and Compliance.