Maru calls on MSG members to cooperate in trade

Minister for Trade, Commerce and Industry Richard Maru is calling on all member countries of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) to fully observe and cooperate with each other in an equal and reciprocal manner when it comes to the importance of trade and

Maru made the call during a recently concluded MSG Trade Ministers Meeting which was held in Port Villa, Vanuatu.

He was accompanied by senior Government officials from the Departments of Trade, Commerce and Industry, National Planning and Monitoring, Attorney General and the Department of Prime Minister and NEC.

The meeting was focused on negotiating the Revised MSG Trade Agreement (MSGTA3). Maru said PNG’s trade and investment regime is focused on improving the economy, the livelihood of its people, promoting indigenous business development and growth, hence the MSG Trade Agreement must support such growth opportunities.

He also stressed that PNG has a new SME policy that includes a reserve list of SME’s for PNG citizens.

He reaffirmed the PNG Government’s position that the new comprehensive MSG Trade Agreement also include reserved activities for nationals and would be listed as a priority agenda for the Leaders Meeting.

He reminded the member countries to also make sincere commitments by removing any non-tariff obstacles that may become barriers to promoting trade and investment, taking into account individual members’ development priorities.

 

 

Author: 
Freddy Mou