Geneva, 13 February 2026 – On 11 and 13 February, the Trade Policy Review of Papua New Guinea was held at the headquarters of the World Trade Organization under the chairmanship of H.E. Kairat Torebayev, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the WTO and Chair of the Trade Policy Review Body.

The delegation of Papua New Guinea was led by H.E. Ambassador Michelle Hau’ofa, Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva. During the meetings, Papua New Guinea presented information on its socio-economic development, post-COVID-19 recovery measures, macroeconomic stabilization efforts, and ongoing institutional and structural reforms.

Particular attention was given to the implementation of the National Trade Policy 2017–2032, the establishment of the National Trade Office, the development of Special Economic Zones, the promotion of manufacturing and downstream processing, as well as digital transformation initiatives, including the National Trade Portal and progress toward a single window system. Infrastructure development and investment climate reforms were also highlighted.

WTO Members commended Papua New Guinea’s commitment to the multilateral trading system, its engagement in the implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement, participation in investment initiatives, and ongoing fisheries subsidies negotiations. Members also encouraged continued efforts to enhance transparency and fulfil notification obligations.

Chair Kairat Torebayev thanked the delegation of Papua New Guinea and WTO Members for a constructive exchange of views and emphasized that the Trade Policy Review Mechanism plays an important role in enhancing transparency, strengthening trust, and supporting reforms aimed at sustainable economic development.

The next Review will take place on 4 and 6 May 2026 and will be dedicated to the Trade Policy Review of Belize.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-wto/press/news/details/1161331?lang=kk