The Papua New Guinea government is calling on New Zealand to offer Pacific Island students more technical training.
The call follows the announcement of a training scheme agreed between the governments of Australia and PNG.
PNG's National Planning and District Development Minister says a shortage of skilled tradespeople is creating a serious problem for the country, especially in view of the demand on the workforce from the liquid natural gas project.
Paul Tiensten says training students in Australia is a short term measure but opening up trades-oriented courses for students from the Pacific region is something New Zealand could be doing as well.
"I think New Zealand and Australia are doing extremely well but in this area it's not been the main focus and I think it's one area that New Zealand could do more and if they follow what Australia is doing to PNG they can also do it to other countries as well"
