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May 2023

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Maru Announces Trade Commission Service

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The Government has made a decision to establish for the first time, The National Trade Commission Service in eight countries this year.

International Trade and Investment minister Richard Maru, made this announcement recently.

Minister Maru said PNG’s Trade Missions will be equivalent to Austrade of Australia, New Zealand Trade Enterprise or Canadian Trade Commission Service, where trade representatives will have their own establishments either in foreign Missions or stand alone offices, or through the appointment of Trade commissioners throughout the world starting with eight countries.

Maru said the primary responsibility of Trade commissioners, is to look for Markets for PNG goods, and to promote Trade investment opportunities in PNG.

“We are grateful for the support we have received from the Prime Minister and Cabinet, and is very timely as we prepare for the historic SEZ summit, which will be opened by the Prime Minister this Sunday,” Minister Maru said.

The first 8 Trade Commissions to be established are: Shanghai – China, Brisbane – Australia, Bangkok – Thailand, Jakarta – Indonesia, Brussels – European Union, Dubai – United Arab Emirates, Manila – Philippines and Singapore.

“The Ministry is extremely grateful that a number of SOEs have expressed interest to fund a number of Trade Commissions,” Maru added.

Maru said, in terms of priority, the first Trade Commission will be established in Shanghai, China, as China is offering to buy PNG’s LNG gas and other mining and petroleum products, including fish, logs and other goods.

“I finally want to commend the Prime Minister for his bold decision as a government to introduce for the first time the Trade Commission Service, as a key strategy to find new Markets for PNG and bring in more foreign direct investment, which is critical to build a more robust  inclusive and sustainable economy,” Minister Maru said.

The Department of International Trade and Investment will be advertising for applicants to fill the positions of Trade Commissioners in the first 8 Trade Missions.

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Fire Destroys Tumini Guest House

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Fire Fighters responding to a fire that destroyed Tumini Guest House in Port Moresby’s Gerehu Suburb say that is a wake up call to property owners to install a fire hydrant in their premises.

Superintendent Cedrick Luwai from the Waigani Fire station said they were not able to contain the fire because there was no fire hydrate in that area.

Fire destorys Tumini lodge at Gerehu

“We cannot contain the fire because there was no fire hydrant in this area. While looking for a fire hydrant the fire became bigger, there was fencing on the side and the building doesn’t have a firebreak so the fire spread within the building quickly. We cannot do much,” said Superintendent Luwai.

Superintendent Luwai added that the cause of the fire will be subjected to an investigation.

Eye witnesses at the scene said the fire started at 4pm yesterday and continued until 6pm. By this morning, much of what was a Guest House was burnt to the ground.

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Rugby League

Round 3: Muruks, Tigers and Mioks take Early Lead

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Its early days for the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup, with the competition set for round four this weekend. After Round 3 of the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup, the Mendi Muruks, Lae Snax Tigers and the Enga Mioks, sit undefeated on the ladder, with the Muruks first, the Tigers second and the Mioks third, with the Port Moresby Vipers rounding off the top four.

Big wins by the top three teams over the weekend with the Muruks beating the Gurias in Lae 18-02. The Tigers at home in Lae beat the Hagen Eagles 32-02 and the Mioks handed the Sepik Pride
their first loss with a 32-06 win over the Pride in Wabag.

In Port Moresby the home side Port Moresby Vipers edged past the Hela Wigmen in a match that was frustrating and unsettling for fans that turned up, both teams with a mountain of errors
and penalties, with stoppages throughout the match, killing the momentum and creating suspense.

Despite the string of errors the Vipers managed to scrape through in the final two minutes to win the match 18-14.

The Wigmen were enjoying a slim two point lead with the scoreline at 14-12 in their favor, with two minutes remaining. The match seemed to be a sure win for the reigning premiers, but in the 78th minute a string of passes led to winger Benson Dabire on the right edge, Dabire passing back inside for Center Gilmore Paul to dive over for the match winner. A conversion by Vipers half back Nicky Hasu extended the lead to 18-14 for the win.

The Hela Wigmen, last years premiers are winless heading into the fourth round. The Wigmen have a draw and two losses in the first three opening rounds, a tough start for the 2022 Digicel Cup Premiers.

In other matches the Central Dabaris beat the Kimbe Cutters 16-10 in Port Moresby, while the Goroka Lahanis and the Gulf Isou drew 14 all in Goroka.

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We were Shocked

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The news of police senior sergeant, Ludwig Dondo’s passing came as a shock to his wife, Miriam Dondo and daughter, Ludwina.

Wife, Miriam Dondo who is employed with the Department of Justice and Attorney General, said she was on lunch break when she learned that her husband was shot.

She rushed to the hospital only to be told that her husband had died.

Meanwhile, three men are now in police custody, in relation to the killing.

But police say the prime suspect who launched the bow and arrow that killed Dondo is still on the run.

The late officer, was struck with an arrow while attending to a drug smuggling case at ATS settlement.

NCD and Central Divisional Commander, Anthony Wagambie said three suspects were brought in by Central police after community leaders at ATS gathered them at 7am this morning.

“I condemn those responsible for the death of my policeman and I am calling on the community at ATS to stand up together and find the prime suspect responsible for this heinous crime.

“You must give him to me, so he can face the law,” said Wagambie.

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Usino Bundi: Building a Solid Financial Foundation

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Jimmy Uguro, the Member of Parliament for Usino Bundi, has urged his community to become productive members of the district by prioritizing agriculture.

In a recent financial literacy training held in Bill Gara village, nearly 500 men and women graduated with certificates after successfully completing the program.

The training was facilitated by Bank of South Pacific/BSP and helped to capture the district’s goals and visions.

Uguro recognized the significant development that the district has experienced in recent years, such as the establishment of new schools and a sports precinct.

However, he emphasized that now is the time for further progress and community involvement.

Mary Koi, the Madang Branch Manageress of BSP, expressed BSP’s interest in partnering with the local district to set up a cash agent. She also encouraged small- to medium-sized entrepreneurs to register their businesses to receive the necessary support from BSP.

Brenda Igusam, the Officer in Charge of BSP sub branch in Walium, explained that the financial literacy training aims to educate individuals about how they can save and budget their money wisely.

The training covered various topics, including saving terminology, effective saving strategies, spending wisely, and the advantages and disadvantages of saving.

This financial literacy training fills a concerning knowledge gap within Papua New Guinea.

K1 Million was presented to the cocoa program for its continuous roll out in the district and a further k100,000 was committed for BSP to continue rolling out its financial literacy training in the district. Two trucks were also committed to the SME Group. BSP is committed to promoting financial literacy and partnering with local communities to provide the necessary support to help them achieve their economic goals.

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Policeman Sergeant Killed

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A police senior sergeant died from injuries he sustained from a bow and arrow attack in Port Moresby.

54-year-old, Ludwig Dondo a member of the NCD Dog Unit died at the Port Moresby General Hospital as a result of his injuries.

The father of five from Talasia in the West New Britain Province, and his colleagues were responding to reports of a drug trade and sales when he was hit by a stray arrow at ATS Block.

Divisional Commander for NCD and Central, Anthony Wagambie Jnr in a statement called on the public to identify the killers.

“I strongly condemn this barbaric killing, and I am now urging the residents of ATS settlement to surrender the suspects to police immediately,” ACP Wagambie said.

The Commander said NCD Metropolitan police will work around the clock to find and arrest the suspects involved in this ruthless murder.

The arrow penetrated the Sergeant’s left rib and he was rushed to Hospital. He passed away at 2.30pm.

Members of Dog Unit retaliated by torching several houses at the ATS Block, Eight Mile.

Senior Sergeant Dodo passed out from Bomana Police College in 1985 and worked with other sections within the Constabulary before transferring to the NCD Dog unit until his untimely passing this afternoon.

The body of the late Sergeant was taken to his family home at Bomana and later taken to the Funeral Home.

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SEZ SUMMIT TO COMMENCE NEXT WEEK

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The first ever Special Economic Zone summit is set to commence in Port Moresby next week, with more sponsors coming on board to support the event.

Last Friday the Ihu Special Economic Zone and the Department of National Planning and Monitoring came on board as Gold Sponsors, with cheques of K100 000 each, presented to the Minister for International Trade and Investment Richard Maru.

Vice minister for National Planning James Nomane said the Special Economic zone concept has been here for over 50 years, and it has proved to be a success in many countries.

The Ihu Special Economic Zone was established in 2017, in Kikori, Gulf Province.

Kikori MP Soroi Eoe said the discussions in this summit is vitally important as we can learn from the experience of others who have gone down this path.

Receiving the Cheques, Minister Maru thanked the government and sponsors for the overwhelming support given at a cost of K1.5 million to host the SEZ summit.

The Sponsors of the event include, Platinum sponsors: Special Economic Zone Authority and Ministry of International Trade and Investment.

Gold Sponsors: Department of National Planning and Monitoring, Ihu SEZ, Kumul Consolidate Holdings, Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited and National Fisheries Authority.

Silver Sponsors: PNG Ports, Mineral Resources Development Company (MRDC), and Bronze Sponsor: Telikom PNG.

The Minister said over 400 delegates have already registered to attend this summit.

“We are pleased to inform you that we have confirmed 7 international speakers from India. China, Indonesia, Japan, Philippines, Bangladesh and International Finance Corporation who will be coming the share their country’s experience, and how SEZs have transformed their countries,” Maru said.

Maru said the delegates will also have the opportunity to contribute to the SEZ policy, The Master Plan, and Legal framework and listen to international speakers and potential SEZ’s in the country.

The potential Special Economic Zone in the country include the Central Processing Zone being developed, Kumul Manufacturing Holdings Limited, Rigo Rice SEZ, Ihu SEZ and Paga Hill SEZ.

“It will be an exiting summit and we are very grateful to all the sponsors without which we wouldn’t be able to host the summit,” Maru said.

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