Govt, firm seal deal to transport goods

THE Government has signed a memorandum of understanding with Bismarck Maritime Ltd to continue the transporting of fresh produces and vegetables from Lae to Port Moresby. The deal was signed by Commerce and Industry Minister Sam Basil and Bismarck Maritime managing director Hamish Sharp. It includes a sea transport subsidy of fresh produce and vegetables to Oro Bay, Alotau ports and Port Moresby. The transport freight subsidy was started by the Department of National Planning and Monitoring when Basil head its ministry to ensure food security during the early days of the Covid-19. It became a success with support from the villagers growing the vegetables in the Highlands and Morobe, the buyers, land transport providers, vegetable wholesalers and retailers and customers in the National Capital District.
“I am advised that the K6 million expended resulted in an economic impact in excess of K50 million,” Basil said.
He directed the department’s acting secretary Joseph Vutliu to secure funds to continue the freight subsidy scheme. Bismarck Maritime Ltd managing director Hamish Sharp welcomed the opportunity to provide sea transport “on matters related to food security and nutrition”. “The fact that this is resulting in cash in the pockets for many players along the supply chain is very welcome,” he said. “We naturally think this is a very good initiative and would be glad to continue the fresh produce and vegetables sea transportation. “We will be pleased to include and involve Northern and Alotau in this new arrangement as both are natural ports to stop enroute from Lae to Port Moresby and back.”