Photo: Richard Maru
When Parliament convenes in October, it is anticipated that the National Trade Bill, which was approved by the National Executive Council in 2021, will be presented.
The National Trade Office Bill aims to address the need for anchoring the government's trade policy role, removing redundancy and resource waste, and giving the newly established National Trade Office a legislative authority to carry out its duties.
Richard Maru, the minister of international trade and investment, promised to see to it that the law is introduced at the next session of Congress.
During the handover-takeover ceremony with the departing Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Soroi Eoe, he announced this.
The National Trade Office will oversee international trade and investment.
Since its founding in October 2020, the National Trade Office has been operating for approximately two years.
The new ministry will operate independently of the previous Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with an emphasis on global commerce and economic security as part of the government's "Take Back PNG" policy.
The Electronic Transaction Act (ETA), the Trade Defense Bill, the National Trade Office Bill, and the Trade Policy Implementation were all introduced by the National Trade Office under the direction of Minister Eoe.
The National Trade Policy Strategic Implementation Plan has been authorised by the NEC and is prepared for implementation by the different trade players.
The ministry has to be improved, according to Mr Maru, who also pledged to keep working on some of the projects launched for the benefit of the populace.
Reference: Wohi, Lorraine. Post-Courier (8 September 2022). “National Trade Bill To Be Tabled In Parlt”.
