By RACHNA LAL
The Ministry of Industry and Trade has begun its search for a suitable person to take up the role of our Trade Commissioner to Papua New Guinea.
The position has been advertised setting out the duties, responsibilities, experience and skills required for the position. Applications close on January 21.
The setting up of the Trade Commission in Papua New Guinea was confirmed in the Prime Minister’s 2014 National Budget announcement.
Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama had announced the establishment of a Trade Commission in Papua New Guinea during his inaugural Trade and Investment Mission to PNG the past April.
The Attorney-General and Minister for Industry and Trade, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, in the advertisement said Fiji has strong relations with Papua New Guinea since independence.
He said this has been further reinforced through the fast-growing trade relations between the two countries.
“In 2012, Fiji-PNG bilateral trade totaled $21.77 million,” Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said.
“Total trade between Fiji and PNG has grown by 67.5 per cent from 2005 to 2012.
“There is potential for further growth in bilateral trade under the MSG Trade Agreement.”
Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said the successful applicant would be paid a competitive remuneration and benefit package similar to Fiji’s diplomatic appointments abroad.
Roles, responsibilities
The Trade Commissioner will report to the Minister for Industry and Trade, through the Permanent Secretary for Industry and Trade.
The Trade Commissioner in PNG will facilitate and capitalise on the vast opportunities for both Fiji and PNG in trade, investment, labour mobility and economic opportunities.
The Trade Commissioner should build on the existing trade relations between Fiji and PNG, while creating new links.