Clans keen to start trade zone
The National, Friday December 11th, 2015
By Gedion Timothy Lapan
THE people of Vanimo in Sandaun have notified the Government of their intention to start the development of the Vanimo free zone project.
In a letter to Prime Minister Peter O’Neill last month, chairman of the interim project development committee John Tekwie said: “The Vanimo free zone project, as the name denotes, is an economic proposal to develop more than 700 hectares of land in Vanimo to build industries for free trade to take place there. “We are pleased to inform the government of our strong and eminent interest, commitment and readiness together with our foreign partners, to work with the Government to immediately start development of the 24-year-old delayed project.
“We have appointed the interim project development committee and the interim board of directors.
“The committee confirmed the allocation of 700 hectares of land between Daunda River and Damili Creek for the development of the first stage of commercial and industrial free zone in Vanimo.
“This land will increase to 15,000 hectares after the inclusion of Ningera, Leitre, Wutung and Aitape villages.”
The committee invited O’Neill to witness the signing of a memorandum of understanding later.
“All formal programmes and invitations will be done after we receive your official response as we understand you are very busy.”