Papua New Guinea’s Trade, Commerce and Industry Minister, Richard Maru, has put the Philippines Government On Notice that in future, no fishing companies are to fish and take out processed tuna or other marine products.
Supplying tuna to canneries is also under this notice.
Minister Maru says the PNG Government wants fish caught in PNG to be processed back in the country for export, this will also create job opportunities for locals.
The Minister says that the issue of two way trade of both countries has to be discussed. While Papua New Guinea is employing over 30,000 Filipinos, and providing business opportunities, there is no market access agreements between both countries.
Minister Maru said PNG is not benefiting from its relationship with Philippines.
“At the moment, it’s a one side trade. We are losing more opportunities.”
Meantime, Minister Maru has welcomed Russia and New Zealand’s interest to trade with PNG.
