The Australian government has expressed serious concerns over PNG’s new rice policy.
This follows the PNG government’s plan to provide an 80 percent quota to rice importer Naime Agro Innovative Industry Limited.
Australian Trade Minister, Steven Ciobo, said a quota system would be inconsistent with PNG’s obligation as a member of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
If the PNG government still proceeds with its quota policy, the Australian government will be compelled to consider options available to it under the IPPA and through WTO.
It is understood the Australian government is irked over PNG’s plans to provide an 80 per cent quota to a proposed unknown rice importer.
