Papua New Guinea's National Executive Council (NEC) has appointed Kikila Yavase as Chief Executive Officer of the Special Economic Zones Authority (SEZA), formalising his leadership after four years in the acting role.
International Trade and Investment Minister Richard Maru announced the appointment on July 16, congratulating Yavase on his four-year term and expressing confidence in his ability to drive the country's special economic zone (SEZ) programme.
"SEZ is a new concept to Papua New Guinea. As the foundation Acting CEO, Mr Yavase has been developed and mentored on the job and has proved himself to be capable, with four SEZs delivered under his leadership. We have confidence and trust that he will provide the leadership required to drive the SEZ agenda of PNG," Maru said.
Maru said the SEZA Board is processing applications for three additional special economic zones, with licences expected to be issued within the next three months, subject to applicants meeting all regulatory requirements.
He added that a further three SEZs are expected to receive approval before the end of the year. These include the Sepik Plains SEZ, Madang Integrated SEZ and the Vanimo Free Trade Zone.
According to Maru, Yavase's immediate priorities include repealing the existing Special Economic Zones Act and developing new legislation for parliamentary approval before the end of the year.
The new CEO will also oversee the establishment of a national Building Board for special economic zones and work with the Department of International Trade and Investment to organise the inaugural PNG-China Business Forum and Trade Expo in Guangzhou.
The government has identified special economic zones as a key pillar of its strategy to attract investment, promote export-oriented industries and accelerate industrial development across Papua New Guinea.
