The Government has made a decision to establish for the first time, The National Trade Commission Service in eight countries this year.
International Trade and Investment minister Richard Maru, made this announcement recently.
Minister Maru said PNG’s Trade Missions will be equivalent to Austrade of Australia, New Zealand Trade Enterprise or Canadian Trade Commission Service, where trade representatives will have their own establishments either in foreign Missions or stand alone offices, or through the appointment of Trade commissioners throughout the world starting with eight countries.
Maru said the primary responsibility of Trade commissioners, is to look for Markets for PNG goods, and to promote Trade investment opportunities in PNG.
“We are grateful for the support we have received from the Prime Minister and Cabinet, and is very timely as we prepare for the historic SEZ summit, which will be opened by the Prime Minister this Sunday,” Minister Maru said.
The first 8 Trade Commissions to be established are: Shanghai – China, Brisbane – Australia, Bangkok – Thailand, Jakarta – Indonesia, Brussels – European Union, Dubai – United Arab Emirates, Manila – Philippines and Singapore.
“The Ministry is extremely grateful that a number of SOEs have expressed interest to fund a number of Trade Commissions,” Maru added.
Maru said, in terms of priority, the first Trade Commission will be established in Shanghai, China, as China is offering to buy PNG’s LNG gas and other mining and petroleum products, including fish, logs and other goods.
“I finally want to commend the Prime Minister for his bold decision as a government to introduce for the first time the Trade Commission Service, as a key strategy to find new Markets for PNG and bring in more foreign direct investment, which is critical to build a more robust inclusive and sustainable economy,” Minister Maru said.
The Department of International Trade and Investment will be advertising for applicants to fill the positions of Trade Commissioners in the first 8 Trade Missions.