US president decision will not affect PNG: O’Neill

Papua New Guinea economy will not be affected because of the decision by the United States President Donald Trump to withdraw the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement, says Prime Minister Peter O’Neill.

O’Neill was responding to a series of questions from Opposition Leader Don Polye in Parliament on Tuesday.

Polye said the decision by the biggest economy in the world will surely have a negative impact on Papua New Guinea’s economy.

He added the alternative government policy when in power will be to protect PNG business and maintain Free Trade Agreements, like the one we share with European Union.

 The Prime Minister in his response said Papua New Guinea is not a signatory to the TPP agreement and the decision by the US President will not have an impact on the country’s economy.

O’Neill added that the national government will continue to promote its bilateral agreement it shares with EU, Australia and China to protect PNG Jobs and businesses.   

The TPP trade deal, which covered 40 per cent of the world's economy, was negotiated in 2015 by nations including the US, Japan, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Mexico. 

Author: 
Charles Yapumi