Staff and clients of the Papua New Guinea National Institute of Standards and Industrial Technology have been locked out of their offices because the government hasn't paid the rent.
The Post Courier reported that the agency owes $US3.2 million dollars in rent.
The Institute is expected to play a key role in the government's efforts to develop trade and attract investments.
Its functions cover technical standards, metrology, conformity assessment schemes, productivity and technical barriers to trade in Papua New Guinea.
