Department, Madang focus on PMIZ deal

By HELEN TARAWA
THE Department of Commerce and Industry will start the process for a memorandum of agreement (MoA) with Madang provincial government for the Pacific Marine Industrial Zone (PMIZ) project, Minister Wera Mori says.
He told The National that following the Government’s decision to hand over management of PMIZ project to Madang government, processes were being undertaken.
“It is a National Government project at the outset,” Mori said.
“When you go to the Chinese Exim Bank for a concessional loan, the Chinese government will loan it to the Government of PNG.
“We have to demonstrate to the Chinese government that the money they will lend to PNG will not be wasted, and that it will be under the National Government’s custody to ensure there is prudent management.
“Because of the PM’s commitment, we will now start necessary process of the MoA and MoU (memorandum of understanding) to draft with the Madang government.
“The project is implemented in such a way that it is diligent, prudent and transparent to ensure that business flourishes.”
The scope of the PMIZ project has been changed to an industrial zone rather than fishing alone.
Mori said: “The fact that we are borrowing money to build those two wharfs doesn’t mean that PMIZ project is completed.
“You need people to come and invest in power, electricity, to ensure that these enablers are available.
“Other areas of infrastructure that could go a long way to assist the integrity of PMIZ are storm drainage water, waste management, occupational health and safety, industrial park to support our fishing industry.
“They, together in unison, will make PMIZ a success story.
“Therefore, it is incumbent upon Government, through Department of Commerce and Industry, that the arrangement we have in place with the Madang provincial government must be able to achieve those targets.
“We need to assist the provincial government to have the necessary support that they require.”
Mori said Madang needed reliable water and electricity supply for the PMIZ project.
“These are the things that the provincial government has neither the capacity, nor the authority and power, to venture into except the National Government,” he said.
“Therefore, under the MoA, arrangements are necessary to cater for these.”