The government should be a facilitator for investment in the nation, said the Papua New Guinea Manufacturers Council (PNGMC).
According to PNGMC chief executive officer Chey Scovell, “Investment provides many jobs, skills training and of course you’ve heard about a few hundred jobs created here (Goodman Fielder). But they will be using predominantly the SMEs. Like you see the fences outside, security and electrical contractors. So the manufacturers are also the linchpin for SMEs. When you support a big manufacturing operation, it’s got a massive flow-on effect.”
Scovell adds that there are a million jobs that the manufacturing industry could create since this can be done through investment and expansion.
“Goodman Fielder is leading by that example with that commitment to PNG, their employees and their commitment to putting affordable food on the table for Papua New Guineans,” he said, encouraging others to buy products locally-made. “When you buy PNG made, you create more jobs.”
Meanwhile, Paradise Foods Limited chief executive officer James Rice said that the manufacturing industry accounted for 40% of the jobs but only five per cent of the gross domestic product (GDP).
“That’s because manufacturing companies like mine have an exponential impact on jobs when we buy locally,” he said. “Government actions and policy needs to support and develop manufacturers to ensure we have jobs in this country for everyone that wants one.”
