Governor highlights province’s economic potential

MADANG can be one of the country’s major economic zones contributing up to K500 million a month in revenue to the state if its resources sector is developed properly, according to Governor Peter Yama.
In an interview with The National on the progress of the province, Yama said Madang had the benefit of both renewable and non-renewable resources at its disposal and could be a major economic driver.
“If we get tourism, mining and all these things and put them properly, Madang can be one of the biggest economic provinces making K400 to K500 million a month in tax revenue alone,” he said.
“We are the centre and we are located in the right place. We have timber, we have all the other resources including mining.
“We have Yandera coming up and we have nickle and copper, gold and almost everything.
“Madang is one of the central locations with the right marine resources and we can’t go wrong.
“We are positioned in the right place between the New Guinea Islands and Highlands and in Mamose.
“If proper, a free trade zone can be done for Madang it can become one of the biggest economies among the provinces.
“We can become a bigger player in our economic sector and earn big money for our national players (Government).” Speaking about tourism in the province, Yama said: “We would have made a lot of money if we would have managed tourism well in the province.
“We are now trying to encourage tourism and bring tourist back but it needs a lot of planning and time for people to organise and coordinate things properly.”