Chamber: Local firms lack capital

 By SHEILA MALKEN

LOCAL businesses do not have the capacity and financial strength to participate in the growth of businesses in Manus, a senior public servant says.

Manus Chamber of Commerce president Peter Poiou said, in the light of the Manus Regional Processing Centre (MRPC), it has given business opportunity to many on the island.

However,  the chamber is now calling on the provincial and national government through the Ministry and Department of Trade, Commerce and Industry and the Australian Government to grant them the K10 million Manus Package as start up financial capital.

“This grant will be part of the Small-Medium Enterprise (SME) business, so that locals can have access to the funds to boost or start up new business,” Poiou said.

He said the locals needed the assistance from the provincial government for training of SME owners and employees with the capacity building of business knowledge.