PNG urged to establish mission in Geneva

PAPUA New Guinea has been encouraged to set up a permanent representation in Geneva so that it can be involved in talks on global policies regarding trade and investment.

United Nations Conference on Trade and Development secretary-general Dr Mukhisa Kituyi passed on this message to Trade, Commerce, and Industry minister Richard Maru during a bilateral meeting on the margins of the African, Caribbean and Pacific leaders’ summit in Port Moresby this week.
Kituyi told Maru that Geneva was the centre of trade policy and trade negotiations at the global level.
The World Trade Organisation, United Nation Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and International Trade Centre headquarters are there.

Kituyi said Papua New Guinea  was a member of these organisations but was not being adequately represented as a result of weak and disjointed participation in discussions on a daily basis in Geneva.
He said strategic and focused participation in international debate and negotiations on global policy making was no longer a luxury but a prerequisite for all countries both big and small.
Kituyi encouraged Papua New Guinea to consider the urgent establishment of a mission in Geneva.
“This requires permanent and consistent presence in Geneva. The stakes are not just timely for the present but also for the future,” he said.
UNCTAD is the principal organ of the United Nations General Assembly dealing with trade, investment, and development issues.
The organization’s goals are to maximize the trade, investment and development opportunities of developing countries and assist them in their efforts.