Author

Rayon Lakingu

Browsing
News

All set to host SEZ Summit

By

The momentum to host the first ever historical Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Summit has picked up as the country plays host to this very important international summit, which will be opened by Prime Minister James Marape on Sunday.

The summit is hosted by the Marape Government through the Department of International Trade and Investment.

In a media conference on Thursday, International Trade and Investment minister, Richard Maru gave an update of the summit.

“On the first day of the summit on Monday 08 May 2023, we will define and learn about countries who have gone into SEZ and the key factors that have made them to be successful and why many others have not succeeded, so PNG can learn from the experience of the countries who have succeeded,” Minister Maru said.

Maru said, SEZs have been here in PNG for over 30 years.

“Despite the legislation and the establishment of the Special Economic Zone Authority (SEZA), we still don’t
have a Policy, we don’t have a Master plan and Development plans for SEZA, and this summit now, will help us learn from other countries on how they have made theirs work,” the Minister said.

Maru said the Government has given one SEZ license to Paga Hill SEZ, and they are hoping that more SEZs will be identified and developed after the summit.

“We don’t want this summit to be another talk feast, we want to learn and start working on more and more SEZs as the key driver for economic growth,” the Minister added.

He said PNG has vast potential, and more SEZs are expected to be announced on Tuesday next week, when the summit ends.

“I would like to thank all the sponsors; Platinum sponsors Special Economic Zone Authority (SEZA) and the Ministry of International Trade and Investment, Gold sponsors; Department of National Planning, IHU SEZ, Kumul Consolidate Holdings, Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited and National Fisheries Authority, Silver sponsors; PNG Ports, MRDC and Bronze Sponsor, Telikom PNG and Securities Commission,” Minister Maru
said.

Over 400 delegates all over the country including international speakers have paid their registration to attend.

Provincial governments and districts have shown immense support to participate and have also paid the registration for their representatives to participate in the 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 (IFC) who will be arriving on
Saturday 06 May 2023.”

“Local participating delegates from provinces and districts throughout Papua New Guinea will start arriving today (Friday),” Minister Maru said.

The delegates will have a unique opportunity to contribute to the SEZ Policy, the Master Plan, the Legal Framework and also listen to speeches not only from international speakers but also on potential SEZs in Papua New Guinea and important local SEZ development partners.

The Minister said booths for the summit sponsors will be setup inside the Stanley Hotel on the second floor, on Saturday
for the sponsors to showcase their brands and merchandises and it will also serve as information booths for participating delegates during the course of the summit.

Keep Reading
By
News

Maru Announces Trade Commission Service

By

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.

Keep Reading
By
News

SEZ SUMMIT TO COMMENCE NEXT WEEK

By

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.

Keep Reading
By
News

KPHL SUPPORTS SEZ SUMMIT

By

Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited (KPHL) has fulfilled its commitment to be the Gold sponsor of the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) summit which will be hosted in the country.

KPHL Managing Director Wapu Sonk recently presented a cheque of K100 000 to International Trade and Investment Minister Richard Maru to show their support.

The inaugural SEZ summit in PNG is a platform to discuss policy gaps, opportunities for investors, the types of economic zones and the services or infrastructures needed in those economic zones.

The Managing Director said KPHL is committed to assist the government in its establishment of SEZs, through power generation solutions.

“Kumul Petroleum will play a role in providing energy. It will be a mix of energy sources, it can be hydro, solar, gas fired power stations or bio fuel, depending on where the economic zones are.

“It’s not only Kumul Petroleum investing in energy, but we will bring in partners to work with us in the different energy opportunities that exist, to support these economic zones.” The Managing Director said.

International Trade and Investment Minister Richard Maru thanked the KPHL Board for this support, saying it is a timely boost, and it is a statement to consolidate this partnership going forward.

Minister Maru said the easiest economic zones are those that have roads, wharves, state land and other infrastructures in place, however the biggest issue is energy source.

“The government cannot continue to burn Diesel fuel which is expensive and also pollutes the environment, so we are looking to KPHL to provide a green solution, and it must be cheaper,” the minister said.

He said the cheaper cost of power can be passed onto users and consumers in the private sector, who will also produce goods and compete in the global market.

KPHL being the Gold sponsor of the summit, will be given a slot to speak on their plans and vision to provide clean and cheap energy to all special economic zones, including an information booth during the summit.

The Special Economic Zone Summit will be hosted in Port Moresby, from May 8 – 9, 2023.

Keep Reading
By
News

CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS COMMISSIONED TWO MULTI-MILLION KINA COMPLEX

By

Performers, Support Staff, and Officers of the National Performing Art Troupe (NPAT) and National Film Institute (NFI) recently witnessed the commissioning of two multi-million-kina building; a Duplex Office building for NPAT and a staff accommodation building for NFI staff.

The new NPAT Double story office complex and NFI Staff accommodation building was officially commissioned by the Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture Hon. Isi Henry Leonard earlier this month.

There to witness was National Planning and Monitoring Secretary Konney Samuel, National Cultural Commission (NCC) Executive Director Steven Kilanda and other dignitaries.

When commission the buildings, Tourism, Art and Culture Minister Isi Henry Leonard said, culture is our greatest treasure, and it is our responsibility to preserve, protect, develop, promote and safeguard our indigenous cultures.

“We must continue to support these cultural institutions, as they play a vital role to help preserve, protect, develop, safeguard and promote our cultures by working with people at the community and grassroots level,” The minister said.

National Cultural Commission executive director Steven Kilanda, acknowledge and thanked all stake holders for their continuous support in ensuring these important infrastructures are completed.

“We are also inviting the Eastern Highlands Provincial Government and its administration to partner with the Cultural Institutions to help develop and deliver cultural services to the people,” Kilanda said.

NPAT or Formally known as the Raunraun Theatre has been operating out of Eastern Highlands Province for many years.

Director Michael Doa said for forty years, they were operating out of a container office.

“I am now happy that the staff and management of National Performing Art Troupe will be housed in a brand-new double story office complex,” Doa said.

Keep Reading
By
News

 EDEVU HYDROPOWER DAM OPENS

By

The Edevu Hydropower project in the Hiri Koiari District of Central Province was officially launched by Prime Minister James Marape Last Friday.

The Edevu Hydro Power project is located at the head waters of Brown River, and apart from Rauna in Sogeri, this is the second hydro power project in central province, and both in the same district.

There with the Prime Minister was Central Governor Rufina Peter, Hiri Koiari MP Keith Iduhu, including State Ministers, Landowners and stake holders.

The commissioning of the reservoir impoundment signifies an important milestone for the project.

This means, the dams will now be filled with water, for power generation and distribution.

Initial negotiations on the project began in 2009, and it has taken over 14 years to get to this stage.

The hydro power project is expected to produce over 54 megawatts of power, which will cater for NCD and Central province, including parts of Gulf and Milne Bay provinces.

It is a private investment between the Koiari Land Owners and Chinese Investor, PNG Hydro Development Limited, built at a cost of over K650 million kina.

According to Prime Minister James Marape, the PNG government is supporting the project, by way of K120 million for transmission lines from Edevu to Port Moresby which is already under construction.

“We are a nation in pursuit of development in the power sector, we want 70 percent of our country – by 2030 – to have accessibility to cheap, reliable and green energy to our country” PM Marape said.

Speaking on the occasion Central Province Governor Rufina Peter, welcomed the project and raised concerns on equal land owner participation.

She said over the years land owners of Sirinumu dam in Sogeri, have not been compensated well, and land owners of Edevu must be better captured and considered in benefit sharing agreements.

“We must not ignore the land owners and the provincial government in participating in critical activities, including benefit sharing,” the governor said.

State Enterprise Minister William Duma further assured the people that the government has given directions for better benefit sharing packages for land owners at Sirinumu.

He said the government will continue to work together with investors and land owners to ensure there are opportunities for all to participate.

Keep Reading
By
News

TISA Community Finance Supports SME Breakfast

By

TISA Community Finance has been announced as the Naming Rights Sponsor for the PNG SME Breakfast, which will be held later this year.

TISA Community Finance CEO Sunil Pokharel last Thursday, presented a cheque of K300,000 to the organizers of SME Breakfast, to be the naming rights sponsor.

The CEO said TISA Community Finance is committed to working with the government and all partners to grow SMEs in the country, and they are excited to support this program.

“The good thing is we are going to have a digital learning platform and that is going to be a game changer.

“We strongly believe TCF which will be TISA bank in the future, that the technology we are investing in is a competent digital platform, especially targeting the SME sector.” The TCF CEO said.

There to receive the dummy cheque was the Chairman of SME Corporation, John Pora and Strategic Communications Ltd Managing Director Andrew Runawery.

Mr Runawery said the SME Business Breakfast which started in 2019, is now into its 5th year.

“It commenced in 2019, on 27th of June which was marked Internationally as the day to observe and recognize micro small to medium enterprises, and how they contribute to the economy,” Runawery said.

The SME Business Breakfast is an informative event, where critical issues affecting SME’s are discussed.

It also includes workshops and exhibitions where SME’s showcase their products and services.

Keep Reading
By
News

SAMARAI MURUA SONG AND MUSIC FESTIVAL

By

Samarai Murua District in Milne Bay province will be hosting a Music, Song and Dance Festival later this month.

The Festival was officially launched by Samarai Murua MP Isi Henry Leonard in Port Moresby last week.

The Music, Song and Dance festival is aimed at promoting culture and tourism in the District.

The Samarai Murua MP, who is also the Minister for Tourism Arts and Culture, said preparations are underway, at the District headquarters on Misima Island.

“It is a way forward to promoting our tourism programs, and at the same time give recognition to our culture, ourselves and our identity,” the local MP said.

The MP further added that Samarai Murua is a culturally diverse District, and this is an opportunity for the people to unite, showcase and express their identity through music, song and dance.

National Cultural Commission Executive Director Steven Kilanda who was there at the Launching presented K10 000 to support this festival.

He said festivals are an important tool, to preserve culture.

“We appeal to Provincial governments and district development authorities to partner with us, so that we host festivals to keep our culture alive” Kilanda said.

The Samarai Murua Music, Song and Dance Festival will see various singsing groups, string band groups, choir groups and dance groups from the district all gathered to showcase their culture and expose their talents.

They are also inviting experience groups from outside to participate in the festival.

Keep Reading
By
News

NEW PORGERA AGREEMENT

By

The Independent State of Papua New Guinea, Barrick Niugini Limited and New Porgera Limited has signed an agreement to progress with the operations of the mine.

The New Porgera Progress Agreement signed on Friday confirms that all parties are committed to reopening the mine at the earliest opportunity.

The signing ceremony at the government house was witnessed by Prime Minister James Marape, Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso, Barrick Gold CEO Mark Bristow, ministers of the state, and other stake holders.

After the signing Ceremony, Prime Minister James Marape addressed the media, saying this is a huge step closer to the reopening of the Porgera mine.

The Prime Minster further shared his appreciation to the State Negotiation Team and all stake holders for their patience, and hard work behind the scene, which allowed them to go through the due processes.

Marape said there has been a lot of delay in the processes, however these are all steps to ensure the new porgera is a fruitful venture.

Barrick CEO Mark Bristow further explained that the next steps are to transfer the exploration license from old Porgera to new Porgera, and make the application for the special Mining license, and that will open the doors to starting up the mine.

“We have a number of people to employ between now and the startup. We have started, and we will continue to employ people.” Bristow said.

He said they are committed to start producing gold within this year.

The CEO also appealed to the people of Porgera to end all violence and work together for a better place in Enga province.

Under the New Porgera agreement, economic benefits will be shared 53% by the PNG stakeholders and 47% by Barrick Niugini Limited.

Keep Reading
By
News

Rotary Club of Port Moresby Supports St John Ambulance

By

The Rotary Club of Port Moresby has made a generous donation of K20,000 to St John to support its ambulance wash-bay.

President of the Rotary Club Mr Rio Fiocco and the club members, official handover of the cheque to St John Ambulance on Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at the St John headquarter.

The funds will be used to purchase a High Pressure Washer and a Wet Dry Vacuum for the ambulance wash-bay.

The ambulance wash-bay is a critical part of St John’s operations, as it ensures that all ambulances are clean and ready to respond to emergencies at all times.

With the new equipment, St John will be able to clean its ambulances more efficiently and effectively, ensuring that patients continue to receive the highest level of care possible.

“Keeping the environment where our patients are cared for as clean and clinically sterile as we can, is the most fundamental thing in our operations,” St John Ambulance CEO Matt Cannon said.

“We have a well-established standardised cleaning system and it takes 30-60 minutes for us to wash each vehicle.”

The CEO said there is a needed for heavy duty industrial grade cleaning equipment, and they are grateful for this donation, which have now enable them to purchase these equipment.

The Rotary Club of Port Moresby has a long history of supporting charitable causes in the country, and this donation is part of their commitment to making a positive difference in the community.

Rotary Club of Port Moresby president Mr Fiocco said, they are pleased to support the work of St John Ambulance.

“We know that they are doing a wonderful work in our community and our club is very pleased to continue our ongoing support,” Mr Fiocco said.

Keep Reading
By
Pin It