National Work Group making a difference in business sector

Caption: Sir Manasupe Zurenuoc

By MATTHEW VARI

Wednesday, November 6, 2013 (Midweek Chronicle, PNG)

Chairman of the National Work Group on Improving Business and Investment Climate (NWGIBIC) in PNG, and Chief Secretary to Government, Sir Manasupe Zurenuoc was optimistic of the contribution of the committee in 2013, in removing impediments to business and investment in the country, at the committee’s meet yesterday at Morauta Haus in Port Moresby.

The committee is composed of industry and business representatives and relevant government representatives offering a public-private dialogue mechanism under the Prime Minister’s Office, achieving business related regulatory reform.

Presenting the committee’s 2013 report to the members, Sir Zurenuoc thanked the member for their participation in the committee’s meets throughout the year and attributed a host of developments since it revamp in November 2011 after being inactive since 2003.

Some of the achievement of the Working Group during the year included: discussions with PNG Power in terms of improving effectiveness in service delivery, high interest rates; no competition at the wholesale levels; expensive charges in the country in terms of internet rates through dialogue with NICTA; and Customs providing training  and overhaul in the Customs Brokers Association.

The chairman added that continues discussions were being held in regards to the status of housing in PNG, with a lot of projects pursued in terms of housing.

“Those are some of the work we have done as a committee in the last 12 months.”

“We are slowly but surely having an impact on what government is saying in terms of the business climate in Papua New Guinea.”

“I want to thank all of you, particularly from the government side those who come continuously.”

He attributed the past ineffectiveness of the committee in the past to the lack of participation from government.

“There has been a real change in the last two years.”

“We need to show the show confidence to the business community, allow them to raise those issues with us and we can do the best we can.”

Those present from private business community expressed their satisfaction in the year’s activities for the National Working Group, especially with the constant participation of government, adding they would do their best to make sure they had appropriate representation from the business side as well to give a holistic government approach to some of the issues they faced.