Call to invest in PNG-based firms

The National Business

THE Papua New Guinea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PNG CCI) says PNG-based contractors should be to be given more consideration when the Government awards building and construction contracts.
The chamber in a statement said that presently, foreign contractors were pricing contractors out of contention which would defeat the purpose of advocating local content in key infrastructure development.
“The PNGCCI supports the involvement of PNG-based firms who have the capability and capacity to carry out major works and delivering quality outcomes in accordance with world best practices,” the statement said.
“This includes the hire of our local workforce and compliance with taxation, superannuation, labour, IPA (Investment Promotion Authority) and other statutory requirements.
“These are deserve preference. The PNGCCI is not against the foreign firms bidding for jobs but the assessment matrix must be expanded to give greater weighting to national content.”
Meanwhile, the PNGCCI noted its support for good governance, transparency and accountability in the oversight of state owned entities.
Responding to the resignation of independent directors from the National Airports Corporation board, PNGCCI said it was sad when political interference undermined the decision making process of the board, especially when allegations of graft, malfeasance and corruption were being appropriately addressed.
“Michael Koisen, former chairman was nominated by the PNGCCI as the business representative to the NAC board and is well grounded in the principles of good governance as a director with over 18 years board room experience.
“The PNGCCI noted the resignation of Koisen and commended his principled stand to say no to bad governance,” it said.
“The PNGCCI, as the business peak body for commerce and industry in PNG, has the right to nominate representatives to the boards of 53 public, statutory and private sector organisations in the country by virtue of the legislation or constitutions governing those individual entities.”