United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD’s) Secretary General, Dr Mukhisa Kituyi has encouraged PNG to consider establishing a mission in Geneva.
When having a bilateral meeting on the margins of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Leader’s Summit in Port Moresby with Trade, Commerce and Industry Minister Richard Maru on Tuesday, Dr Kituyi says this matter must be of priority to ensure that the internationally agreed outcomes are responsive to the country’s needs and challenges.
This requires permanent and consistent presence in Geneva. The stakes are not just timely for the present but also for the future.
He advised that PNG had also missed out on benefits of training and capacity building as a member of UNCTAD due to its lack of representation in Geneva.
Both Maru and Dr Kituyi agreed to strengthen the engagement between UNCTAD and PNG. The Parties also discussed the positive outcomes that are expected at the upcoming UNCTAD 14 Conference that will be held from July 17 to 22, 2016 in Nairobi, Kenya where the main agenda would focus on the implementation of the 2030 agenda on sustainable development and achievement of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) from the perspective of trade, investment, finance and technology.
Dr Kityi invited Minister Maru to the Conference. Both Parties also agreed to elaborate a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on technical assistance and capacity building in the area of trade and related assistance that meets the needs and challenges of the country.
Maru explained that one of his priorities included the finalization of a trade policy together with the creation of an independent agency that will be mandated to coordinate and handle all of the country’s international trade affairs.
In this regard, he would be seeking UNCTAD’s assistance in the form of capacity building and training of officials in the area of trade negotiations and analysis so that they are able to efficiently and diligently dispose their duties and responsibilities.
Secretary General Kituyi commended the Minister on the laudable initiative to bolster trade policy for sustainable development.