Briefs

Export training
TRAINING on producing quality coffee for export has garnered much interest from local farmers in Kapao local level government (LLG), Menyama, Morobe. The one-week training by Coffee Industry Corporation was a first in the area. Hamtai Coffee Cooperative chairman Den Annas said almost 800 coffee farmers from Kapao and Nanima LLGs in Menyamya and Watut LLG in Bulolo attended the training.

Flaws at borders
THERE have been serious concerns raised about flaws at the border in relation to smuggling and tax evasion, Customs commissioner David Towe says. He urged Customs officers at international airports, seaports and at the post office to be on the lookout for activities that could indicate money laundering. This came as efforts were being made to document all cross-border movements or currency and valuables equivalent to or more than K20,000.

Cocoa priority
COCOA farming and production is a priority for the Autonomous Bougainville Government following support from key agencies, an official says. First secretary to the office of the regional member for Bougainville, Desmah Faik, said they expected a boost in cocoa farming on the island with support from the Australia and New Zealand governments. “Twenty-five Bougainville cocoa cooperatives will now benefit from a recent funding of more than K10 million and this will support them throughout the year,” she said.

Save voluntarily
NATIONAL Superannuation Fund chief executive officer Ian Tarutia says members are encouraged to go into voluntary contributions. “We have also some good reaction through voluntary contributions and you will note that we have spent a lot of time encouraging voluntary contributions over and above the minimum six per cent. All of these numbers now are beginning to crystalise to what we are seeing in terms of our employer receipts,” Tarutia said.

Unchanged policy
TAIPEI: Taiwan’s central bank is likely to keep its policy rate unchanged this week, according to a majority of economists polled by Reuters, with the economy performing strongly and inflation seen under more control than major Western countries. The central bank is expected to leave the benchmark discount rate unchanged at 1.125 per cent. – AFP