Chamber anticipates growth despite challenges

Business

THE Lae Chamber of Commerce and Industry is looking forward to this year for growth opportunities despite ongoing challenges, president John Byrne says.
“We, like most of Papua New Guinea, have power drop-outs, black outs and shutdowns, causing major costs to businesses and now coupled with a downturn in data integrity due to vandalism and other factors, our community and business struggles for reliability of service,” he said.
Byrne said election years also create both opportunities and challenges for businesses and the community.
He said this brought an unexpected level of uncertainty and imbalance until the results were determined.
He added that in Lae, however, there was some “exciting and positive growth occurring”.
Byrne said Morobe was poised for a year with the recent launch of the Voco Point Coastal Fisheries Hub, the Lae to Nadzab Highway, Nadzab Airport redevelopment, the improvement at port facilities and with operators and the work on safety and security by police.
“The much needed Kamkumung and Malahang road restoration is causing delays and associated risks but the end result will be well worth the effort with improved traffic and movement,” he said. “Several major organisations are investing in newer facilities or production lines and the focus by Grow PNG on agricultural opportunities is also vital.”