Papua New Guinea's trade minister has hinted his country could potentially sign up to a free trade deal with Australia, New Zealand and 12 Pacific island countries by the end of the year.
Papua New Guinea's Minister for Foreign Affairs and Immigration, Rimbink Pato Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller
The PACER Plus free trade deal was signed last year after eight years of talks but two of the Pacific biggest economies, PNG and Fiji, opted to stay out.
PNG Foreign and Trade Minister Rimbink Pato said his country is reconsidering its stance.
Mr Pato said his department would be reviewing what PNG wants out of participating.
He said it was possible PNG could sign up by the end of the year.
PNG is also looking to pursue free trade deals with China and the United Kingdom over the coming years.
In November PNG will be hosting the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation leaders summit in Port Moresby with a heavy focus on trade liberalisation.
