By NIDRA KEWERE MAPI
A 10-year strategic plan has been developed to carry out the programme designed to assist the informal and small medium enterprise (SME) sectors as part of the Government’s rural development programme.
The Small Medium Enterprise Appropriate Technology Programme (SMEATP), which was officially launched this week, has three prime objectives, which are appropriate technology development, natural resource utilisation and skills training.
It is based on the Government’s objectives of rural development, poverty reduction and empowering the people through human resource development.
SMEATP was endorsed by the National Executive Council in September 2005 in which the Department of Commerce and Industry was directed to source out donor funding assistance for the programme.
The NEC also directed the Regional Centre for Technology and Innovation (RCTI) to coordinate all programme activities.
Other agencies that would be involved in the development of the programme are: Department of Agriculture and Livestock, Petroleum and Energy, Mining, Labour and Industrial Relations, all provincial administrations and PNG University of Technology, among others.
The Department of Commerce and Industry has established a project coordinating unit known as the Regional Centre for Technology and Innovation (RCTI) under the industry division to begin implementation of the projects.
Benefits to be derived from the project include employment creation, enhanced improved living standards for resource owners and economic growth.