MEDIA RELEASE
8 June 2007
For immediate release
DEAL SIGNED ON EXPORT OF PNG GOODS TO AUSTRALIA
Papua New Guinea and Australia today signed a significant new agreement which could make it easier and cheaper for PNG to export goods to Australia.
Under the agreement PNG’s National Agricultural Quarantine and Inspection Authority (NAQIA) will work with the Australian Quarantine Inspection Service (AQIS) to train, assess and accredit fumigators in PNG through a program called the Australian Fumigation Accreditation Scheme (AFAS).
AFAS ensures that fumigations performed on goods for export to Australia meet Australia’s stringent import clearance requirements. This reduces the need for remedial fumigation in Australia, thus reducing costs to the importer as well as quarantine clearance times once the goods arrive in Australia.
The agreement was signed at the Australian High Commission in Port Moresby by the Managing Director of NAQIA, Andrew Yamanea, and the Australian High Commissioner to PNG, His Excellency Mr Chris Moraitis.
Mr Yamanea said: “The adoption of AFAS for PNG is yet another commitment from PNG in meeting its obligations in international trade with compliance to world-best fumigation processes as emphasised by Australia.
“This will go a long way toward improving current systems or protocols practiced by the fumigation industry in PNG and regulated by NAQIA.”
Mr Yamanea also extended his gratitude to AusAID for funding the Twinning Project through which AQIS and NAQIA are able to deliver the AFAS program.
Mr Moraitis said: “This agreement is good news for PNG and Australia. It is another example of how working together brings benefits for both countries.
“Demonstration of competence against Australia’s strict quarantine requirements should also enable PNG fumigation companies to obtain enhanced trade opportunities both with Australia and other export markets around the world.
"Improved fumigation techniques can also enhance the pest and disease-free status of commodities and other fumigated material entering Australia, which reduces the threat to human health, agricultural production and flora and plant life in Australia.”
In the coming months, NAQIA and AQIS will provide fumigation training to Papua New Guinean quarantine officials and fumigators. AQIS will also work with NAQIA to establish fumigation company registration and audit programmes.
Numerous other countries have already signed the AFAS agreement, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, India, the Philippines and, most recently, China.
Media Inquiries: Leigh Arnold, Public Diplomacy Manager, T: 325 9333 ext 275