Businesses eying growth

BUSINESSES in Alotau are expecting financial growth this year, says Milne Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry vice-president Tasman Silcock.
“Businesses are looking to expand for a brighter future,” Silcock told The National.
“There is a lot of new buildings for business houses in Alotau.
“There is a lot of land development, so we are looking forward to a big growth in Alotau this year.
“From the business community, its business as usual and we are trying to get on with our lives as much as possible.” Businesses and residents of Alotau have been rocked by criminal activities and last year, 15 to 20 shops were broken into and looted during an attack on police and the burning of police houses.
Asian businesses were mainly targeted and a Digicel showroom and Air Niugini offices were also subjected to smash-and-grab tactics. The chamber condemned the attacks on local business houses.
This week, a Chinese businessman was attacked and his shop robbed.