Budget to spur farming, SMEs

 TREASURER Don Polye yesterday gave a sneak preview of the 2014 Budget, telling a Port Moresby Chamber of Commerce and Industry (POMCCI) breakfast that “2014 will be a budget of prudent consolidation”.

“The focus must now be on implementation,” he said.

“But, within these constraints, we must continue our work in developing agriculture and growing small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs).

“The government and private sector must work together to drive growth.

“We must have plentiful natural resources, a strong private sector, committed donor partners, and I am determined to see a transparent and efficient public sector too.

“Our commitment to education holds the key to our future.

“The next step is to grow our tertiary education capacity as well as skills and trade training.”

Polye said the government remained optimistic that the economic future of this country could be secured.

“This government recognises that it must be done in partnership with our business sector,” he told a POMCCI breakfast at Royal Papua Yacht Club.