Govt supports investors in PNG, says deputy PM

By JEFFREY ELAPA
THE O’Neill-Namah government welcomes and supports all investors, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Forest Belden Namah said yesterday.
He assured investors they had nothing to fear as reported by The National over the manner in which he purportedly pressured the National Forest Board to award a concession in Middle Ramu to Madang Timbers Ltd.
Namah said there was no threat by the government and the comments in the newspaper were misleading for the public and local and international investors.
“There are not threats to investments and the government has been very supportive of all foreign and domestic investments.
“You cannot see or hear any complaints of threat to investment but there is only one complaining – the owner of The National newspaper – RH (Rimbunan Hijau),” Namah said.
However, Namah stressed that while investors were welcome, there were laws in place that every investor
must follow.
“There are no short cuts in PNG just like every other nations. 
“There are rules and laws that every investors must comply with, like in the case of forestry laws.
“Every investor who wants to involve in forestry business than they must abide by the Forestry Act and regulations,” he said.
He said the newspaper reporting was misleading the public and the international community.
“I was angered by the misleading and misconceived report,” he said.