Trade agreements determine ownership of economy: MP

By MATTHEW VARI

Sunday, April 10, 2016 (Sunday Chronicle, PNG)

FORMER commissioner for customs and now Governor for Oro, Gary Juffa, has cautioned the Government to be wary of any trade agreements entered into by the country.

Governor Juffa made statements in Wednesday’s session of Parliament- commending the tough stance made by Trade and Industry Minister Richard Maru in rejecting negotiations for the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations Plus (PACER) agreement.

Commend the government for having refused to sign the PACER Plus agreement which he said is another form of colonization being imposed upon Papua New Guinea.

“Trade agreements are concocted and cleverly put together by very intelligent people. We have to understand exactly what the ramifications are on our people- not just our people who are doing business or live in the urban centers that are in hotels and have flashy cars, but the simple people as well,” Juffa said.

“Today when you scan Papua New Guinea you will see that we are losing our jobs, we are losing our business opportunities.”

“Because without thinking we entered into certain types of agreements for which we are paying the price and for which we will continue to pay the price. If we are not careful these agreement will determine the ownership of this economy.”

He said whoever owned economy would ultimately determine the future of the country if the government continues to succumb without stronger positions.

“If we open our doors to all types of trade agreements without having our own position in place without information that we can ensure that we protect our interests.”

“We will be royalty collectors forever, when in fact we should be profit makers developing our own resources.”

“This is the importance of trade agreements- there must be resources and capacity put into this very important aspect of a nation.”