The Papua New Guinea Customs Service and the National Trading Office (NTO) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on data sharing for policy development in the trade, tourism and investment sectors on July 5 at the NTO headquarters in Port Moresby.
The event marks an improvement of trade information and data sharing between both government agencies. Chief of PNG Customs David Towe and NTO Chief Trade Officer Richard Yakam expressed enthusiasm about this collaborative effort.
Yakam highlighted the significance of the agreement, stating: “This MoU addresses past challenges in obtaining data. Despite several postponements due to other commitments, we are pleased to finalise this agreement today.”
Yakam explained that the MoU is a vital development for the NTO, especially given the agency’s recent legislative advancements.
“This is a very important occasion for us, particularly for the National Trade Office. We are focused on establishing a strong connection with our stakeholders,” he said.
He also addressed misconceptions about the NTO's role.
“The National Trade Office is not an implementing agency but a policy-making and coordinating body.”
Yakam pointed out that data scarcity in PNG has been a significant challenge.
“Data is crucial for effective policy-making and decision-making. Without comprehensive data analysis, developing sound policies is difficult,” he said.
The data received will put NTO in a better position to understand demand and supply flow in the country, and by doing so, they will provide better advice to the government, Yakam said.
He discussed the PNG-China Joint Study, which highlights issues of data reliability and the challenges of various data sources from institutions.
Yakam expressed optimism for future collaborations, noting that the establishment of a single-window system will further enhance data sharing and contribute to PNG’s development.
Towe stressed the MoU’s role in supporting sustained growth through collaboration.
“This MoU signifies a small but important step as we strive to improve our partnerships. 2024 has been a difficult year for us, but we have managed to meet the mid-year target, including all annual targets outlined in the strategic plan outlined for the last three years.”
“The signing of this partnership is another milestone target for us,” he added.
Towe said the MoU aligned with the newly launched PNG Customs Service Corporate Plan 2024-2028 and the Modernization and Reforms Roadmap.
“Effective collaboration with other agencies, particularly those involved in border operations, is essential for achieving our goals,” he noted.
“We also launched the blueprint for the National Single Window Platform, which is being spearheaded by, the Ministry of International Trade and Investment and the Department of International Trade and Investment.”
“For us to achieve the goals of those different plans and strategies that we implement, working in collaboration is very, critical. We cannot achieve these outcomes without us collaborating.”
Towe said the collaboration’s outcome is in line with the sustainable development goals and aspirations of the people and the nation.
He also emphasized breaking down government silos to achieve better outcomes.
“Collaboration is key to implementing laws and regulations effectively,” Towe added in expressing gratitude to everyone.
The signing aligned with similar agreements between state-owned enterprises and government departments. Management and officers from both the NTO and PNG Customs Service attended this signing ceremony.
