The National Trade Office (NTO) is currently coordinating four (4) major policy reviews simultaneously. These reviews are being conducted with the leadership and support of the Chief Trade Officer Mr. Richard Yakam, who has committed resources and effort to ensure their successful completion. Each review is led by specialized consultants and will play a critical role in shaping PNGโs trade and economic future.
๐ญ. ๐ก๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป๐ฎ๐น ๐ง๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ฒ ๐ฃ๐ผ๐น๐ถ๐ฐ๐ (๐ก๐ง๐ฃ) โ ๐ ๐ถ๐ฑ-๐ง๐ฒ๐ฟ๐บ ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐๐ถ๐ฒ๐
The National Trade Policy 2017โ2032 is PNGโs long-term framework for trade and investment, aligned with Vision 2050, the PNG Development Strategic Plan 2010โ2030, and the Medium-Term Development Plans (MTDPs).
โข The mid-term review is assessing progress since the policy was launched, identifying strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement.
โข The review will consider emerging trade issues such as digital trade, e-commerce, climate resilience, and new regional/global trade agreements.
โข Its outcomes will ensure PNGโs trade policy remains strategic, responsive, and competitive in a changing global environment.
๐ฎ. ๐ก๐ง๐ข ๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฝ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐๐ฒ ๐ฃ๐น๐ฎ๐ป ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐๐ถ๐ฒ๐ (๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ฒโ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ฏ๐ฌ)
The Corporate Plan is the institutional roadmap of the National Trade Office, setting the direction for the next five years.
โข The current review will define operational priorities, resource allocation, and performance targets for 2026โ2030.
โข It aims to strengthen the NTOโs internal systems, enhance service delivery, and ensure effective coordination with government, private sector, and development partners.
โข This plan will allow the NTO to become a modern, efficient, and accountable institution, fully aligned with national trade and development strategies.
โข By guiding the Officeโs next phase of growth, the Corporate Plan is central to ensuring the NTO delivers on its mandate.
๐ฏ. ๐ฐ๐๐ต ๐ช๐ง๐ข ๐ง๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ฒ ๐ฃ๐ผ๐น๐ถ๐ฐ๐ ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐๐ถ๐ฒ๐ (๐ง๐ฃ๐ฅ)
PNG is currently undergoing its 4th WTO Trade Policy Review, which is a key requirement for all WTO members.
โข The review provides a comprehensive assessment of PNGโs trade and investment framework, WTO commitments, and overall trade performance.
โข Consultations are ongoing, and the final review report will be presented to WTO Headquarters in Geneva.
โข Benefits of the TPR include:
– Transparency in PNGโs trade policies and practices.
– Increased investor and trading partner confidence.
– Identification of areas needing technical assistance and capacity building.
โข The TPR is also an opportunity to highlight reforms and showcase PNGโs efforts to improve its trade environment on the global stage.
๐ฐ. ๐ช๐ง๐ข ๐๐ถ๐๐ต๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฒ๐ ๐ฆ๐๐ฏ๐๐ถ๐ฑ๐ถ๐ฒ๐ ๐๐ด๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฒ๐บ๐ฒ๐ป๐
The WTO Fisheries Subsidies Agreement is a landmark global trade agreement adopted in 2022, aimed at eliminating harmful fisheries subsidies that contribute to overfishing and Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing.
โข PNGโs active engagement in this agreement is vital given the importance of the fisheries sector to the national economy, employment, and export earnings.
โข Aligning with the Agreement ensures that PNGโs fisheries exports remain compliant with international trade standards, strengthening access to key markets.
โข The agreement will help:
– Protect and sustain PNGโs rich marine resources.
– Position PNG as a responsible trading partner within the WTO system.
– Create opportunities for preferential market access for sustainably sourced fishery products.
โข This review is also an avenue for PNG to explore technical and financial support from development partners to meet compliance obligations and strengthen fisheries management.
These four concurrent reviews โ the ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐-๐๐๐ง๐ข ๐๐๐ซ๐๐๐ฌ, ๐ฉ๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐พ๐ค๐ง๐ฅ๐ค๐ง๐๐ฉ๐ ๐๐ก๐๐ฃ 2026โ2030, ๐ฉ๐๐ 4๐ฉ๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐ง๐๐๐ ๐๐ค๐ก๐๐๐ฎ ๐๐๐ซ๐๐๐ฌ, ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐ฉ๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐จ๐๐๐ง๐๐๐จ ๐๐ช๐๐จ๐๐๐๐๐จ ๐ผ๐๐ง๐๐๐ข๐๐ฃ๐ฉ โ are strategic priorities for PNGโs trade and development agenda.
Together, they will:
โข Update and refine national trade frameworks.
โข Strengthen the NTOโs institutional capacity and accountability.
โข Ensure compliance with international obligations.
โข Open new opportunities for investment, partnerships, and sustainable economic growth.
With the leadership of the Chief Trade Officer, the NTO is ensuring these reviews are successfully delivered, setting a strong foundation for PNGโs trade future.
#NTPMidTermReview
#NTOCorporatePlan2026_2030
#4thWTOTradePolicyReview
#WTOFisheriesSubsidiesAgreement
