The National Executive Council (NEC) has formally appointed Joe Panga as the Director General of the National Institute of Standards and Industrial Technology (NISIT) for a four-year term, effective 28 January 2026.
The appointment reflects the Government’s strong commitment to strengthening Papua New Guinea’s National Quality Infrastructure, enhancing industrial competitiveness, and protecting consumers and local industries through robust standards, measurement, and regulatory systems.
Minister for Commerce and Industry, Win Daki, welcomed the appointment, describing it as strategic and timely.
“NISIT is central to ensuring quality, safety, and fairness in our economy—from imports at the border to products sold in local markets. The NEC’s appointment of Mr Joe Panga demonstrates the Government’s confidence in his ability to lead critical reforms and strengthen NISIT’s regulatory and technical capabilities,” Mr Daki said.
The Minister added that the Government expects NISIT to play an increasingly important role in trade facilitation, industrial development, and consumer protection, particularly as Papua New Guinea aligns with regional and international standards obligations.
“Under Mr Panga’s leadership, we expect NISIT to deliver stronger enforcement, improved services to industry, and a modernized quality infrastructure that supports national development priorities,” he said.
In accepting the appointment, Mr Panga expressed his appreciation to the NEC and the Government and reaffirmed his commitment to transforming NISIT into a high-performing, trusted national institution.
“NISIT’s mandate goes beyond compliance—it is about protecting our people, enabling fair trade, and supporting the growth of competitive local industries. My focus over the next four years will be on strengthening regulatory enforcement, expanding technical services, modernizing systems, and building a capable and motivated workforce,” Mr Panga said.