Photo credit: Islands Business
The Madang business community wishes to contribute more to the growth of the Pacific Marine Industrial Zone (PMIZ) in the region.
The development of the project, according to Kevin Murray, president of the Madang Chamber of Commerce and Industry, would have a favourable effect on the city's economy.
A committee has been formed for the initiative, but according to Murray, corporations have not yet shown an interest in it.
“As far as I know, the business community hasn’t been involved in any discussions,” he said.
“We know there are some plans to develop it, but there has been no communication with the business community.
“We would like the people who are developing and promoting the project to talk to us so we can know what plans they have.”
The PMIZ and the Manus tuna facility are key projects for the fisheries industry, according to Fisheries Minister Dr. Lino Tom.
According to Lino, the government has budgeted K100 million for the PMIZ, which has been delayed by ten years.
The Manus tuna facility will be developed using K30 million of the funds.
“The PMIZ is like a flagship project that will drive our 10-year strategic plan, so it’s actually on foot,” he said.
“We’ve also engaged KPMG to do the financial feasibility.
“We hope to start work this year based on the feasibility and the reports.”
Businesses in Madang want to see the provincial government come together and cooperate for the province's economic advancement.
According to Murray, the lack of leaders who collaborated to promote the province had to change if Madang was to realise its potential.
“In the last term of parliament, we didn’t have this, members were doing their own thing and not cooperating together,” he said.
“This has to change after the elections.”
Murray characterised the economic situation in Madang as typical.
“Everyone is a bit weary but business is fairly close to normal,” he said.
“We would like to see the PMIZ developed, that might happen after the new Government is in place.
“There are some large Chinese businesses coming and stimulating the local economy.
“Basically for all these things to happen we need to have politicians who are going to act in the best interest of people, province and the betterment of the economy.”
Murray also emphasised the importance of finishing the Modilon road, which was still under construction.
He claimed that because of the poor condition of the road, businesses suffered from automobile damage.
“But things are looking up now because there are a lot more activities and we are looking forward to the road being completed.”
The business community hoped that the General Election of 2022 would be conducted peacefully, Murray continued.
Reference: The National (2 August 2022). “Madang businesses want input in PMIZ development: President”.
