Fiji and PNG trade feud to be ironed out

The Fiji Trade and quarantine delegation now in discussion over the trade feud with Papua New Guinea will undertake technical assessment on products banned for importation to Fiji.

 “The Fijian team will work with their PNG counterparts to resolve the issue of biosecurity pathways and also discuss other trade issues that can facilitate bilateral trade,” Fiji’s Minister for Industry, Trade and Tourism, Faiyaz Siddiq Koya stated in a letter to his PNG counterpart.

“There for we request a meeting with your Ministry Officials and NAQIA on Monday. Furthermore, in order for the team to undertake technical assessments visit to the following facilities on the dates proposed are also part of the planned visits.”

The delegation consist of  Fiji Trade Commissioner to PNG Navitalai Tuivuniwai Biosecurity Authority (BAF) of Fiji chief veterinarian Dr Sian Watson, BAF chief plant protection officer Nilesh Ami Chand, and BAF trade facilitation and compliance team leader Ronal Prasad who arrived in weekend Port Moresby over the weekend.

Fiji has banned the import of Ox and Palm canned meat, Paradise Biscuits and Trukai Rice products claiming it possess biosecurity risk. 

But PNG Trade, Commerce and Industry Minister Richard Maru and National Agriculture Quarantine and Inspection Authority (NAQIA) in earlier statements stated that in 2004 test done by Biosecurity Authority (BAF) of Fiji proved all this PNG made products did not pose any risk.

Minister Maru when welcoming Fiji delegation this morning said the ban had been in place for 12 years and wants it to resolve in a true Melanesia Ways.   

“I am hopeful the trade restriction will be lifted after the meeting.

“I want to assure of every support of our team and Government to the Fiji team.”

The Fiji delegation will hold discussion with the Department of Trade, Commerce and Industry, Department of Prime Minister and NEC, NAQIA, Department of Health, Department of Agriculture and Livestock, Department of Justice and Attorney General and the producers of the three banned products in the next few days. 

Author: 
Charles Yapumi