Major savings are unlikely to be achieved as a result of new travel restrictions on civil servants and MPs, says the governor of Papua New Guinea's capital Port Moresby.
Photo: RNZI
Department heads can no longer authorise international trips without the approval of the chief secretary to government and MPs need permission from the prime minister.
Powes Parkop said the government was making cuts in order to sustain vital projects and services.
He said while some travel in the past may not have been necessary, other government trips will still need to be made.
"I'm not sure it will be a major saving because I'm not sure how many people travel overseas in terms of representing the government. But in terms of international travel, of course there are some travel that's important for PNG to attend regional and international events or conferences and meetings that we must attend despite the economic down turn or hard economic times we all facing."
The Prime Minister's office said international conferences will now be attended by PNG's overseas missions.
It has been estimated the government spent about $US20 million last year on travel.
