A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed this week between Fiji and Papua New Guinea through both countries’ Labour Ministries that will see Fiji provide assistance to its Melanesian neighbour.
Fiji’s Minister for Labour Jone Usamate said the signing extended Fiji’s assistance to the Independent State of Papua New Guinea on Occupational Safety and Health Reform.
His counterpart from Papua New Guinea Minister Mark Maikapai initiated this South-South cooperation between the 2 nations in 2011.
“It’s only fitting for him to grace this special occasion to ensure the completion of the OHS Reform in PNG during his tenure,” Minister Usamate said of the PNG Minister.
The Minister for Labour for the Independent State of Papua New Guinea Mark Maikapai said Fiji’s OSH law is more advance.
“Fiji has a very good OSH legislation, so we don’t have to go to Australia and New Zealand or any other overseas nation,” Minister Maikapai pointed out.
Minister Maikapai said they are aiming to finalise the PNG OSH Bill by August 2013.
This is the 3rd MOU signed between the 2 nations and is supported by the International Labour Organisation Office through its Suva-based office.
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