Businesses waiting on coffee industry to pick up: Chamber

By PETER ESILA
BUSINESS in Goroka, Eastern Highlands, is slow but there is optimism that the situation will improve once the coffee industry picks up, according to the Goroka chamber of commerce and industry (GCCI).
GCCI president Chris Anders, in a business update, said coffee, over the years, always had a big impact on the local economy.
“Business has been slow the last few weeks, the main coffee crop in the Eastern Highlands should start to come through in the next few weeks,” he said.
“This will put some cash into the economy and business should pick up.”
According to the Coffee Industry Corporation, the province is the second largest coffee producer to Western Highlands.
Coffee is the main cash crop in the province.
According to Agriculture and Livestock Department statistics, coffee continues to be PNG’s second major agricultural export earner and has contributed K2.4 billion in export revenue between 2014 and 2018 and produced about 259,000 tonnes of coffee beans.
Meanwhile, Anders said most businesses were compliant with the Covid-19 pandemic measures imposed.
“But the people are not social distancing and not all are wearing masks which is a concern,” he said.
“The main market is still a concern as this is where a large number of people gather.” Goroka market is currently at the Peace Park.
Meanwhile, Anders said the business community was saddened by the passing of local businessman and former governor Malcolm Kela Smith.
“The CEO of Pacific Helicopters passed away on Monday,” he said.
“He will be sadly missed by the Goroka community.”