Cabinet has approved the K20 million submission to establish the facilities of the National Agriculture Quarantine and Inspection Authority (Naqia) across the country.
According to Agriculture and Livestock Minister John Simon, “The managing director Joel Alu and I took the submission to the Cabinet in which we got an approval of roughly K20 million to set up Naqia quarantine facilities throughout the country,” he said. “The country is growing and Naqia is understaffed.”
The plan shows the particular strategies and achievable milestones over a duration of five years.
“Agriculture is viewed as the industry with the broader potential to raise the highest number of small and medium enterprises and entrepreneurs in the country,” Simon said. “Accordingly, it is anticipated that the number of businesses associated with agriculture will rise to levels where Naqia will be scrambling for capacity and resources to facilitate unprecedented growth in trade in the immediate future. PNG is part of the global village and Naqia is required to foster partnerships with the international community to enhance our socio-economic development aspirations in a safe and secure environment. Our global integration, collaboration and partnership come with challenges and risks to the foundation of our livelihood from regulated pests and disease on animals and plants through the movement of goods, people and transportation.”
He continues, “Naqia’s vision, mission and strategic objectives align itself to the national policies and strategies. It clearly demonstrates the authority’s commitment to supporting the implementation of these policies. The plan provides the strategic direction and leadership in fostering collaboration and cohesive partnerships with core stakeholders, regional and international network partners in addressing biosecurity legislation and relevant policies affecting compliance with international sanitary and phyto-sanitary standards."
