Change of mentality, attitude needed

DEPUTY Opposition Leader and Kiriwina-Goodenough MP Douglas Tomuriesa says a change of mentality and attitude by the people is needed if they want their businesses to succeed.
“Small to Medium Enterprises (SME) are a very important sector for the development of this nation,” he said.
During the debate on the amended of Investment Promotion Act and the Association Incorporation Act, he said there were instances when even security guard positions were filled by foreigners.
Tomuriesa said both bills passed in Parliament yesterday were the “right way forward for PNG”.
He requested the Minister for Commerce and Industry to publish the list of businesses reserved for Papua New Guineans.
“It is encouraging to see that this government has brought this paper to Parliament, but we Papua New Guineans must also change our mentality, the way we do things,” he said.
“Our lazy mentality has crept into SMEs, which in turn has allowed others to do the work for us.
“If we need to get into the SME business, we need to be more disciplined and change our thinking and the way of doing business.
“If we are serious about getting into the SME business, then we need to change our mentality about disciplining ourselves and changing our way of doing business.”
He acknowledged Prime Minister James Marape and the Government for allocating funds to SMEs.
“We must emphasize that Papua New Guineans who own and run businesses are registered, not individuals running SMEs who are unregistered. In that way we can see more employment opportunities open up for our people,” he said.