Trade Policy Development
Background
Without a coherent trade policy, it is impossible to mainstream trade into PNG’s overall strategic development and make it an engine for economic growth. While several sector policies include trade aspects, a comprehensive trade policy still needs to be established as a basis for policy guidelines and trade negotiations.
PNG being currently engaged into several major trade agreements, the government needs to live up to the challenge of negotiating and implementing them. Yet, in the absence of a comprehensive trade policy, trade matters have sometimes been implemented in an incoherent manner.
To avoid such negative consequence, and considering that as there is no capacity yet in the Trade Division to successfully undertake this task, Component 2 of TRA-II envisages to support the development of a coherent and comprehensive trade policy (including trade analysis, policy formulation/implementation and support in trade agreements negotiation). Training of Trade Officers is also envisaged in this component.
Budget
The budget for Component 2: Trade Policy Development (Analysis, Formulation, Implementation, Negotiation) is Euros 915,000.00 / approx. PGK 2,684,811
Key Stakeholders
Direct beneficiaries of the project will be the Government of Papua New Guinea, in particular the Trade Division and other Divisions of DTCI under Component 2. Other key stakeholders involved in Component 2 will be all stakeholders that contribute towards trade policy formulation and implementation as well as those whose functions have an impact on trade. These, among others, include:
- Departments of Treasury; National Planning and Monitoring, Foreign Affairs, Prime Minister & NEC, Justice and Attorney General; Agriculture & Livestock, Transport, etc
- PNG Customs Services, NAQIA, NISIT, National Fisheries Authority, National Forestry Authority; All Commodity Boards, All Provincial Administrations, etc.
- CIMC, Universities, NRI, Private Sector Organizations including women’s.
Expected Results
The main expected result is for the Draft Trade Policy Framework to be reviewed with implementation strategies approved by the National Executive Council by Year 2. Other expected results include; Sectoral policy analyses and impact studies carried out within the trade policy framework and used for policy making and negotiations from Year 2 onwards; Review and Analysis of current trade agreements for informed decision making on priorities for trade by Year 2; and Key legislations reviewed and aligned with trade agreement commitments by the end of the project.
Component 1 Focal Point
Ms Bridgette Kamish, Assistant Secretary Trade Facilitation and APEC.
