Call to address corrupt practices

PORT Moresby Chamber of Commerce and Industry (POMCCI) president Rio Fiocco says the government must address corrupt practices in its departments and agencies because of the problems businesses faced getting approvals and complying with other procedures.
Fiocco said this during the Law and Order Summit in Port Moresby yesterday.
“It is often suggested that approvals can be fast tracked if payments are made to certain government officials, POMCCI strongly condemns against any facilitation or corrupt payments to Government officials,” Fiocco said. He said POMCCI and other chambers of commerce throughout PNG were willing to work hand in hand with the government as well as the public and all stakeholders to improve law and order,
“Law and order is everybody’s business, crimes impacts our business as well as our employees, families, friends and neighbours,” he said.
“It is the private sector that creates jobs and pays taxes, with improved law and order situation, then businesses from large to small can grow and employ more people, improve their profitability.
“I also call on all of PNG development partners, to assist the government, put more resources to improve our criminal justice system.”
Fiocco has also thanked the NCD police for their continuous efforts in fighting crime in the city.
“I call on the Met Supt to advertise the hotline numbers for people to call in the National Capital District, all businesses are being adversely affected by the growth and high levels of criminal activity ranging from the theft of stock, company vehicles, to employees handbags, wallets, phones as well as family violence on employees, which leads to absenteeism,” he said.