Abel: We must support PNG-made products

By GYNNIE KERO
Deputy Prime Minister and Treasurer Charles Abel has urged citizens to support PNG-made food products.
Abel, however, admitted the country could not do way entirely with imports.
Speaking in Port Moresby yesterday, he said the Government wanted to build self-reliance and support local industries where possible.
He said the Government wanted to build an economy with tradeable commodities and encouraged people to support PNG-made products.
“The intention of the Government is to build self-reliance, move to a process of producing our own products needed by our own population,” he said.
“That starts with food.
“We know that we continue to import too much of our basic requirements.
“Food is one aspect but there are many other elements of the economy that we import: Things like fuel.
“Where we have elements for production within the country, we need to encourage and build those aspects of the economy.
“That is why discussions are around rice production, which is a separate discussion that is progressing quite well.
“We are still importing a lot of canned products.
“We have to build up local production.”
Manufacturer’s Council of PNG chief executive officer Chey Scovell commended the Government for the tariff reforms. Scovell said there were no increases in prices of locally-produced goods as claimed by a minority.
“We heard a number of false claims of price escalation because of tariffs,” he said.
“There have been no increases in prices of locally-made goods.
“We had a lot of noise on water and canned beverages.
“The reality is in Australia you pay more than A$2 (K5) for a can of soft drink.
“In China, you are paying more than US$1.50 (K4.80) for a can.
“Even if we are going to go back and pay K3 for can, on global standards we are one of the cheapest (places) to buy a can of soft drink.
“Importers bringing in soft drinks for less than K5 a carton cheat the Government out of revenue.
“They are making super profits and killing the industry and all the tariffs that are being set.
“The Government has to be commended for, for the first time, introducing the tariff reform.”