Agro can change country: PM

By PETER ESILA
PRIME Minister James Marape says the K140 million 12-storey West New Britain (WNB) Haus in Port Moresby proves that agriculture “can make things happen for people”. “Today is a wonderful occasion, a testament and a reflection of something I believe in the core of my heart: Agriculture is transformational,” he said.
“Agriculture can make it happen for our people.
“This is not oil or gas money.
“This is not gold money but money from agriculture.”
Marape opened the WNB Haus, which was funded by the province’s oil palm industry, saying it should be an inspiration for people and provincial governments. “You already have land, you already have people,” he said.
“You already have power. Mobilise them to ensure you transform your land, not just from oil palm, but coffee, copra, cocoa, rubber, vanilla, organic agriculture and everything else.” Marape said WNB Haus was an example of revenue from agriculture used wisely when leaders “think big, think deep, think into the future, think sustainable and are able to invest”.