PAPUA New Guinea is a very important market for Fiji and we would not let any form of miscommunication tarnish that important trade relation between the two countries, says Minister for Industry, Trade and Tourism Faiyaz Koya.

Mr Koya made the statement in an attempt by the ministry to clarify concerns raised in Parliament yesterday on trade relations between Fiji and Papua New Guinea.

He said his office was preparing to undertake consultations with its trade counterpart in PNG after the statement by the PNG Prime Minister Peter O’Neill on Friday last week on the proposal by PNG Trade Minister Richard Maru to put trade sanctions against Fiji.

Mr Maru had asked Fiji to consider opening pathway for PNG- made products, such as Ox and Palm Corned Beef, Trukai Rice and Lae Biscuits.

“As per the process and procedure, the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism, requested Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (BAF), as the competent authority to undertake an Import Risk Assessment,” Mr Koya said.

“All imports of animal and plants need to comply with the biosecurity requirements and procedures, this is the same process Fijian exports need to undertake, when an importing country requires it.

“As per the initial assessment report from the BAF, the Ministry advised PNG that the pathway was immediately opened for personal consignment,” Mr Koya said.

“In the recently signed Melanesian Free Trade Agreement (MFTA) by Fiji this year, our cooperation with PNG will now extend to trade in services, investment and labour mobility.”

He said having completed the technical import risk assessment process, the two countries will clarify and smoothen the administrative issues in the next couple of days.