What Is The NTO Mandate?
The National Trade Office (NTO) is established by the Government to effectively coordinate the implementation of the National Trade Policy 2017-2032. The NTO is the central agency for coordinating all trade policy and trade-related activities. It will ensure transparent and orderly conduct of trade that involves multitudes of players all working in harmony and effectively to contribute to minimizing trade and trade transaction costs associated with complying with trade measures and regulations.
This effort should contribute to the attainment of the objectives and realization of the vision of the National Trade Policy towards achieving the socio-economic development goals in medium terms plans and strategies and the overall PNG Vision 2050.
The mandates are interrelated and one feeds into the other(s) to form unison of finely joined mandates for a central body coordinating all trade policy and related activities in pursuit of maximizing the growth and development potentials arising from a vibrant adequately supported, facilitated and regulated trade performance.
The NTO has evolved to become the central hub and boasts a coherent trade policy consultative mechanism to handle all trade policy and related issues resulting in a win-win for all parties. The NTO Provide strategic advice to other Government departments and institutions on advancing PNG’s trade interests and partnerships with principal trading partners.
Trade offices can assist with creating a conducive trade policy environment by providing information and resources to businesses about trade policy and its impact on their operations. This may include providing access to market research and analysis, as well as offering guidance on how to navigate the trade policy landscape and comply with relevant laws and regulations.
The NTO is also be able to advocate on behalf of businesses with government officials or other organizations to help shape trade policy in a way that is favorable to the business community. This may involve lobbying for changes to existing policies or working to influence the development of new policies.
In addition, the NTO is be able to work with government agencies and other organizations to promote the development of trade-friendly policies and initiatives that support the interests of businesses.
Identify and assess most rewarding markets and to negotiate/review/update trade agreements on behalf of Government of Papua New Guinea in light of the National Trade Policy and outcomes together with the implementation of bilateral, regional and multilateral trade agreements.
The NTO assists with identifying new markets, negotiating access, and managing trade agreements by providing information and resources to businesses about these topics. This may include providing access to market research and analysis, as well as offering guidance on how to navigate the process of entering new markets and negotiating access to them.
The NTO is also be able to connect businesses with industry experts or other organizations that can provide additional support and guidance. In addition, trade offices may be able to advocate on behalf of businesses with government officials or other organizations to help facilitate the process of entering new markets and negotiating access to them. In terms of managing trade agreements, trade offices may be able to provide information and resources to businesses about the terms and conditions of specific agreements, and offer guidance on how to comply with these agreements.
They may also be able to assist with the resolution of disputes that may arise under the terms of these agreements.
Encouraging integration of domestic businesses in global value chains by promoting greater value addition, export diversification, offshore investment and partnerships. Organize and disseminate trade information – policy, rules, agreements and trade development programs.
The NTO assist with developing trade capacities and informing businesses of policy, markets, and trade development by providing information and resources to businesses about these topics. This may include providing access to market research and analysis, as well as offering training or educational programs on topics such as international trade policy, market trends, and business development.
The NTO is also be able to connect businesses with industry experts or other organizations that can provide additional support and guidance. In addition, NTO is able to advocate on behalf of businesses with government officials or other organizations to help promote the development of trade capacities and inform businesses about relevant policy, markets, and trade development.
NTO as an economic agency of the government contribute towards the overall economic growth and development of the country by creating conducive trade conditions and open up opportunities for PNG exporters and importers.
The NTO assists with facilitating trade and removing trade barriers by providing information and resources to businesses about opportunities for international trade, and by helping businesses navigate the process of importing and exporting goods. This may include providing access to market research, connecting businesses with potential partners or customers, and offering advice on how to comply with relevant laws and regulations.
The NTO also is able to advocate on behalf of businesses with government officials or other organizations to help remove trade barriers and promote the interests of the business community. In addition, trade offices may be able to facilitate trade by working with government agencies or other organizations to negotiate trade agreements or resolve disputes that may be hindering the flow of trade.
Ensuring that Trade actors and regulators comply with domestic and international trade regulations, standards and processes.
The NTO assists with enforcing compliance with trade laws and regulations by providing information and resources to businesses about relevant laws and regulations, and by helping businesses understand their obligations and responsibilities.
This may include providing access to legal resources or advising businesses on how to comply with specific regulations. In addition, the NTO is be able to assist with the enforcement of trade laws and regulations by working with government agencies or other organizations responsible for enforcing these laws. This may include advocating on behalf of businesses that have been unfairly treated or assisting with the resolution of disputes or violations of trade laws and regulations.
The NTO assists with coordinating collaboration with trade actors and stakeholders by serving as a central point of contact and communication for businesses, government agencies, and other organizations involved in international trade. This may include organizing events or meetings to bring these groups together, facilitating the exchange of information and ideas, and helping to facilitate partnerships or agreements between different trade actors.
The NTO is also be able to provide resources or support to businesses looking to collaborate with other organizations, such as by helping to identify potential partners or facilitating introductions. In addition, trade office may be able to advocate on behalf of businesses with government officials or other organizations to help facilitate collaboration and promote the interests of the business community.
Other Important Functions Include:
- Coordinate review and implementation of policies on NTMs, NTBs and TBT policies, & Costs of doing trade in Papua New Guinea.
- Coordinate APEC work on Tariffs, NTMs and Services and Trade Ministers’ Meetings.
Import Facilitation increases trade independence in small and developing nations. – It develops different sectors within the domestic market. – It buys local manufacturers some time, to scale up production efficiency.
The NTO assists with import substitution by providing information and resources to local businesses about how to produce goods that are currently being imported. This may include providing access to market research, connecting businesses with potential partners or suppliers, and offering advice on how to navigate the regulatory environment for importing and exporting goods.
There are several ways that the National Trade Office creates a conducive trade policy environment:
Engaging with government officials and policymakers: The NTO work with government officials and policymakers to advocate for policies that are favorable to trade. This might include lobbying for the removal of trade barriers, the establishment of favorable tariffs, or the creation of new trade agreements.
Providing information and education: The NTO provides information and education about the benefits of trade to government officials, policymakers, and the general public. This can help to build support for trade and create a more favorable policy environment.
Building partnerships and networks: The NTO builds partnerships and networks with other organizations and stakeholders, such as trade associations and chambers of commerce. These partnerships can help to build support for trade and facilitate the exchange of information and ideas.
Facilitating trade negotiations: The NTO also plays a role in facilitating trade negotiations between different countries. This might involve working with government officials to negotiate trade agreements or providing support to businesses seeking to enter new markets.
Overall, the goal of the National Trade Office is to create a policy environment that is conducive to trade and that supports the growth and development of the domestic economy.
