Trade, Commerce and Industry Minister Richard Maru has described Fiji’s bio-security measures that restricted PNG’s Ox and Palm from entering Fiji market as “not acceptable”.
He said Ox & Palm is currently being exported to other countries in the region including Australia, Tonga, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and to Europe.
Speaking at the recent MSG Summit in Port Vila, Vanuatu, Maru informed his colleague Ministers that changes to the agreement should include no tariffs on salt, mackerel and sugar for PNG by 2017.
Furthermore, on PACER-Plus he said PNG will not sign on to the PACER-Plus but will stand ready to support other MSG members who want to become members.
On the issue of investment, Maru urged Member States to observe the different investment regulatory regimes among member countries to promote, regulate and protect private sector development and growth strategies especially in the Small and Medium Enterprise sector.
He said, the MSG Trade Agreement must include articles that reflect the interests of respective member countries in order for it to be successfully implemented.
The MSG Trade Ministers noted and directed their officials to finalise the revised MSG Trade Agreement for legal vetting and signing by Leaders in early 2017.
Maru reiterated PNG’s position on the appointment of the MSG Director General and said the appointment should follow proper appointment processes in the organisation and endorsed by all MSG Leaders.
Meanwhile, Fiji responded by saying consultations are currently underway with the National Agriculture and Quarantine Inspection Authority in PNG since 2014 to address the matter regarding the restriction of Ox & Palm into Fiji.