Government allocates K10 million to Trade Office for international trade online portal

The Papua New Guinea government has allocated K10 million to the National Trade Office to implement the Single Window System, marking a significant step towards streamlining the nation’s trade processes.

The Single Window system is an online, one-stop-shop platform designed to reduce the time and cost of acquiring export permits.

This digital platform is to enhance efficiency, improve coordination, and make PNG’s trade procedures more competitive and efficient.

Minister for International Trade and Investment, Richard Maru, commended the government for prioritizing this initiative to modernize PNG’s trade operations.

“This system will allow exporters to apply for permits, pay fees, and process their documents entirely online.

“Currently, our exporters endure a lengthy manual process, taking three weeks to a month or even longer to get permits.”

Highlighting the challenges faced under the manual system, Mr. Maru shared an example of PNG’s frozen taro exports to Australia and New Zealand.

He said acquiring permits for these shipments has taken up four months, delaying exports and reducing competitiveness in international markets.

“The manual system doesn’t work. With this K10 million allocation, we can begin transitioning to a modern, online system. This will enable real-time processing and align PNG with global trade standards,” Mr. Maru said.