Beche-de-mer tax ‘bad’ for the industry

THE government’s new beche-de-mer tax of K15 per kg has been likened to “killing the goose with golden egg”.
Morobe Primary Producers’ Cooperative Association (MPPCA) chairman Reuben Yapi said exporting beche-de-mer was an excellent economic platform.
“Government policies should support and inspire small fishermen on how best to help
improve the activity with proper markets instead of ripping them off,” he said.
“The Government should develop policies that encourage an enabling business environment to instil a sense of trust, care and protection for fishermen.
“Such price-tag (K15 per kg) on beche-de-mer seems to be a one-off during the beche-de-mer season. What about all other marine resources because sea cucumber is a seasonal harvest?”
The MPPCA caters for 509 registered cooperative groups in the province with 115,000 members involved in cocoa, coffee, fishery, fresh produce, poultry, cattle and piggery.
“As an equal partner in the development process at district and village level, encouraging (Government) policies should be set in place to ensure effective partnership to empower primary producers,” Yapi said.