In his 14-page ministerial statement to Parliament, Abal said the review would be looking at trade more than aid in light of the new challenges.
He said globalization and trade, in particular, led to changes in many people’s desire, demand and consumption of food, clothing and other material goods, as well as entertainment and services.
He said this had obvious implications for local businesses, employment, government revenue and general outlook on life.
“Changes in diet and behavior could affect public health, including the spread of HIV/AIDS and other diseases,” Abal said.
“This could be seen in the various ways in which people, governments, banks and businesses in different countries are reacting to the current global financial crisis,” he added.
Abal said other challenges of globalization come from the growing capacity of governments and other actors, including criminals and terrorists, to intercept communications.
“The international community is concerned, not only in Papua New Guinea but worldwide, with preventing the spread of diseases, the illegal movement of people and goods across international borders and transnational crime,” he said.
“It is also concerned with promoting such critical sources of future development as improving access and standards in public health, education and human rights.
“We should review where we are now, and identify how best to approach the challenges and opportunities lying ahead,” Abal said.
“The Government’s overall aim is to ensure the basic approach towards foreign policy-making, recommended as a result of the current review, promotes an updated, truly national approach towards Papua New Guinea’s foreign relations.”
He said the foreign policy review would lead to a systematic review of the costs and benefits of Papua New Guinea’s membership and participation in international organizations, as well as our representation abroad.
“It will also lead to an examination of our national record in regard to giving legal effect to the international agreements to which Papua New Guinea is party, and to putting them into practice.”
Abal also talked about challenges including regional issues, globalization, relations with neighbors, building relationship and cooperation, climate change, human security, foreign aid, development and overseas recruitment.
