Efforts to resolve a trade dispute between Fiji and Papua New Guinea continue.

Biosecurity Authority of Fiji executive chairman, Xavier Riyaz Khan, said they are preparing to send three BAF representatives to PNG later, perhaps this week.

He said Fiji’s Trade Commissioner to PNG, Navitalai Tuivuniwai, is working on getting the clearance and arranging the meetings with the respective organisations.

“Once we get the meetings confirmed, the three-member delegation from BAF will travel to PNG,” Mr Khan said.

He said the technical team is in contact with the manufacturers.

“BAF is also liaising with PNG’s National Agriculture Quarantine and Inspection Authority (NAQIA) and manufactures of Trukai Rice, Paradise Biscuits and Ox and Palm corned beef,” he said.

“We are preparing for all the meetings, appointments and logistics works which is facilitated with the Trade Commissioner.”

Earlier on Monday, a local media had misreported the situation saying the trade war between Fiji and PNG has ended.

The trade war threats had risen as a result of concerns by PNG claiming unfair restrictions by Fiji for the importation of the mentioned products.

PNG Trade Minister, Richard Maru had then announced that he would go ahead with an all-out trade war if Fiji did not allow these products to enter into the country.

In response, Fijian Minister for Industry, Trade and Tourism, Faiyaz Siddiq Koya, had announced there were no bans placed on these products by Fiji .

He had further said the exporters would need to meet the biosecurity criteria first and if this was met, then the Government would have no objections.

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