A Papua New Guinean standards specialist is helping strengthen PNG’s quality infrastructure and support local businesses to access international markets through Australian-supported trade policy training.
Mr Jeremiah Smith, Manager of Conformity Assessment Bodies at the National Institute of Standards and Industrial Technology (NISIT), recently completed the 2026 Trade Policy Short Course delivered through the PNG-Australia Partnership. The six-week program combined trade policy learning, negotiation simulations and engagement with government, industry and trade experts in Australia.
Back in PNG, Mr Smith is developing a project to establish a Conformity Assessment Body Accreditation (CABA) Scheme through NISIT. The initiative aims to strengthen PNG’s national quality infrastructure, build internationally recognised accreditation services and reduce reliance on overseas certification providers.
“The training helped me better understand how accreditation, standards, metrology and conformity assessment work together to support trade,” Mr Smith said.
The proposed scheme would help PNG organisations access internationally recognised certification, inspection, testing and conformity assessment services in-country.
“PNG has significant potential, particularly in agriculture and other export sectors,” Mr Smith said.
“By strengthening our national quality infrastructure and increasing awareness of accreditation, we can help businesses meet international requirements, reduce technical barriers to trade and access new market opportunities.”
The project outlines a pathway to establish accreditation schemes aligned with relevant international standards, strengthen technical capability within NISIT and expand accreditation services across PNG.
NISIT is also exploring ways to increase awareness of accreditation among government, industry and private sector stakeholders.
Mr Smith said the training helped him connect his technical work with PNG’s broader trade and economic ambitions.
“Success for me is a fully functional accreditation scheme in PNG that supports key sectors such as agriculture, mining, oil and gas and environmental reporting.
“Ultimately, I want to see information and certifications issued in PNG recognised and trusted internationally, helping our exporters compete with confidence,” he said.
Through the PNG-Australia Partnership, Australia supports PNG’s economic transformation by strengthening trade, investment and business-enabling systems that help drive sustainable economic growth and greater participation in regional and global markets.
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Mr Jeremiah Smith addresses participants and facilitators at the conclusion of Adelaide University’s International Trade Training in Port Moresby in June.
For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100