Businesses welcome development in Lae

Front from left: Transport and Civil Aviation Minister Walter Schnaubelt, Prime Minister James Marape and Japanese foreign affairs minister Iwao Horii during the tour of the new Nadzab Tomodachi International Airport terminal on Monday. – Nationalpics by GLORIA BAUAI

By GLORIA BAUAI
LAE Chamber of Commerce and Industry president John Byrne has welcomed the increased attention on Lae by the Government in recent years.
“Increased investment allows for more employment and opportunities which is something the country is struggling with,” he said.
Byrne said businesses in Lae had been people-focused, with infrastructure development the ingredient to laying the foundation for stability and growth.

**Local woman Navio Max presenting a bilum to Japanese foreign affairs minister Iwao Horii in the presence of Japanese ambassador Nobuyuki Watanabe. – Nationalpic by JACINTA COHLEE**

He said the K692 million Nadzab Tomodachi International Airport signified the evolution of Lae and, by proxy, the Highlands and Mamose, which would now be driven by tourists and investors.
He added that having a second international airport “is a long-time dream coming true”. “Most strong economies in the world, both small and large, have more than one international airport,” he said.

**From left: Nawaeb MP Theo Pelgen, Huon Gulf MP Jason Peter and Deputy Prime Minister and Lae MP John Rosso during the opening of the Nadzab Tomodachi International Airport.**

“We have so much domestic and export opportunities.
“And Nadzab will be an enabler.
“Leadership is what changes our present and our future.

From left: Japan foreign affairs minister Iwao Horii, Japanese ambassador Nobuyuki Watanabe and Prime Minister James Marape each having a kulau after the opening of the Nadzab Tomodachi International Airport on Monday.

Byrne said the chamber was keen to continue the growth.
Prime Minister James Marape said the Government had secured a K300 million loan on top of the K1 billion already allocated for the Highlands Highway.

**The domestic departure lounge at the new Nadzab Tomodachi International Terminal.**

It will reduce the travel time to Laes from 12 hours to six or five hours.
Marape also announced that K1 billion will be used to provide 73 bridges from Yalu in Morobe) to Waghi River, just before the turnoff into Kagamuga Airport.
The Australian government has provided K70 million for the road from Nine-Mile in Lae to Bulolo.
The Government will take care of a two-way lane through to Wau and on to Garaina.