Dept working on guidelines for SME funding

THE Department of Commerce and Industry is working on guidelines to ensure that K200 million allocated for small-medium enterprises (SMEs) is equally distributed in the country, says Minister William Duma.
Duma told Parliament yesterday that due to past experiences, the department was working on guidelines that would enable the money to be fairly distributed to reach the people.
“It is not easy, we are currently going through the process,” he said.
“But first let me thank the prime minister for allocating the K200m for SMEs.
“We want to ensure that this money goes to the people, so we are working on guidelines.
“Once this is completed, we will submit it to Cabinet for a decision.”
Duma said he was aware of the people’s cry about being put out of the economy.
“I have just been in office for two months but I will be looking into “reserved jobs and businesses for Papua New Guineans” and will submit a report to parliament.
“But I would also like to encourage Papua New Guineans to aim big, you have the potential to provide services to the country.
“The government will do its best to support you to grow.”