What Guides Us?
The NTO’s values are derived from the Public Service (Management) Act under the National Public Service Ethics and Value-Based Executive Leadership Management Capability Framework. It is essential that the staff of the NTO must embrace these values in the conduct of their duties as public officials at all times regardless.
The Management and the Staff of the NTO are committed to:
- Maintaining high standard of work ethics and performance,
- Co-operating with other government agencies and stakeholders,
- Demonstrate strong sense of duty, reliability and attitude both internally and externally clients; and
- Adapt to change where necessary.
The NTO is expected to observe and uphold all public service workplace values and ethics as outlined in the General Order and the Ethics policy. This may include following rules and regulations related to conflict of interest, impartiality, confidentiality, and the appropriate use of public resources.
The NTO is also be expected to adhere to standards of professionalism and integrity, and to treat all stakeholders, including businesses, government officials, and the public, with respect and fairness.
In addition, the NTO is expected to report any ethical violations or concerns that they observe in the workplace. By upholding these values and ethics, trade offices can help to ensure that they are able to carry out their duties in a transparent, accountable, and professional manner.
Gender equity means fairness and justice in the distribution of benefits, power, resources, and responsibilities between women and men.
The NTO is expected to ensure that all officers, regardless of their gender, have equal value, rights, and opportunities to participate in every aspect of career development and advancement. This may involve implementing policies and practices that promote gender equality and diversity, and providing equal opportunities for training and development to all employees.
The NTO is also expected to provide a safe and inclusive work environment for all employees, and to take steps to prevent discrimination or harassment based on gender or any other protected characteristic. By upholding these principles of equality and inclusion, the NTO can help to ensure that all employees have the opportunity to succeed and advance in their careers.
The NTO has a responsibility to uphold the reputation of the department at all times. This means ensuring that their conduct and behaviour is consistent with the values stipulated within its corporate plans and objectives. NTO representatives also have a responsibility to uphold the reputation of Papua New Guinea overseas at all times.
The NTO enhances Papua New Guinea’s (PNG) image and reputation as a reliable and trusted trade partner by upholding the highest levels of standards when dealing with international stakeholders and partners. This may include being timely and responsive in communication, being transparent and open in business dealings, and following through on commitments and agreements.
The NTO is also able to contribute to PNG’s positive reputation by promoting the country’s strengths and capabilities as a trade partner, such as its natural resources, skilled workforce, or strategic location. In addition, the NTO is able to work with government agencies and other organizations to develop and implement strategies for promoting PNG as a reliable and trusted trade partner, such as by participating in trade missions or promoting the country’s products and services to potential partners and customers.
The NTO will respond promptly to threats, acts of violence, bullying, and acts of aggression by employees or against employees by coworkers, members of the public or others. Violent conduct, bullying conduct, or any threat of violence, implied or direct, is prohibited.
Trade offices can assist in ensuring that the workplace is free of violence and bullying by implementing policies and procedures to prevent and address these issues. This may include providing training and resources to employees on how to identify and prevent violence and bullying, and establishing clear channels for reporting incidents and seeking support. The NTO is expected to take swift and appropriate action in response to any incidents of violence or bullying that do occur, including conducting investigations and taking disciplinary action as necessary. By taking these steps, trade offices can help to create a safe and respectful work environment for all employees.
There are many ways that the NTO strives to make a difference by working to support and promote international trade in a way that is responsible, sustainable, and beneficial to all stakeholders.
Some specific examples of how a trade office can make a difference include:
- Promoting fair and ethical trade practices, including by ensuring that businesses comply with relevant laws and regulations and by advocating for policies that protect the rights of workers and consumers.
- Supporting the development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), including by providing resources and assistance to help these businesses access new markets and grow.
- Promoting sustainable and environmentally responsible trade practices, including by supporting the development and adoption of green technologies and practices and by advocating for policies that protect the environment.
- Building partnerships and collaborations with other trade organizations, businesses, and government agencies to identify and address challenges and opportunities in the global trade landscape.
- Providing information and resources to businesses, policymakers, and the public about the benefits and importance of international trade and the role of trade in supporting economic growth and development.
