Investors needed for forestry downstream process: Minister

Forest Minister Douglas Tomuriesa says Papua New Guinea needs to find more investors in downstream processing in the four regions of the country.
Tomuriesa told The National that forestry needed funding support for the programmes and projects to be realised.
He said downstream processing had been passionately spoken about and debated, but the drive was not there.
“Our leaders have come to realise that Forestry really needs support funding,” Tomuriesa said.
“The funding is to make ensure that our people get out there and complete the incorporated land group programmes, talk to landowners and secure portions of land.
“When we talk about downstream processing, we are talking about massive areas.
“We want to go out and find the right investors.
“A lot of times, we want the investors to come and talk to us, but for this one we need to get out there and find the investors.
“We have had enough of third-party arrangements. We want to get down there and find investors to set up here.
“We are generally looking at bring investors to the four regions of the country.”