Cocoa board CEO briefs directors of industry’s status

COCOA Board of Papua New Guinea (CBPNG) chief executive officer Boto Gaupu briefed the interim board directors on the status of the industry at their swearing-in ceremony yesterday.
Gaupu (pictured) told the directors about the proposed strategies in place by CBPNG to advance the country’s cocoa industry.
“The appointments and swearing in of the directors are timely with the on-going roll-out of the cocoa nursery project which commenced in April 2014, involving the release of the cocoa pod borer tolerant planting materials” Gaupu said.
“The release of the combination cocoa solar drier to address the smoke tint concerns, and moves to subsume cocoa research, development and extension under cocoa board with voluntary liquidation of PNG Cocoa Coconut Institute Limited, and recent launch of the cocoa industry strategic plan,” he said.
Gaupu stressed the importance of appointing a board in regards to carrying out the recently launched ten year strategic plan to advance the industry.
“The ten-year strategic plan encompasses the cocoa industry-wide issues and challenges which includes engaging with stakeholders in government, private sector and development partners to create an expanding enabling environment,” he said.
“This includes infrastructure, mobilising quantity, enhancing quality and market access for trade and exports,” Gaupo said.
“It is now opportune time that a board is in place to effect the transition and to help drive me and my management implement the cocoa industry strategic plan and take cocoa industry to a new and higher level.”