Govt should focus on resource projects: Fiocco

GETTING major resource projects off the ground must be a main priority for government after the general election, an official says.
Port Moresby Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Rio Fiocco said these projects would bring in foreign exchange and contribute to the overall economy of the country.
He said the spinoffs from these projects would not only benefit big businesses but also small micro enterprises (SME) and medium to small micro enterprises (MSME).
“The business community is waiting to see some of these major projects get moving, in particular the Pasca project and off course the Porgera project restarting and the Wafi-Golpu project to get underway,” Fiocco said.
“We would hope that those projects get moving quickly so that more jobs are created and the economy can grow.
“It will give a boost to all businesses, not just big businesses but small and micro enterprises.
“You look at for example the case of Porgera, all road contractors have missed out, all workers of the mine have lost jobs, even farmers supplying fruits and vegetables to the mine have no customers.
“So yes, the spinoff benefits of getting any of these major projects underway is very strong. It also boosts the foreign exchange with the export of gold which will bring dollars into the country.”