IPA soon to launch online registration

By EMMANUEL MAIPE
THE Investment Promotion Authority (IPA) has signed a contract with Foster More Ltd to make business registrations more convenient through the internet.
IPA, with the support of its key partner the International Finance Corporation (IFC), through the Central Supply Tenders Board, has signed the contract with the New Zealand-based firm to supply new online registration software to IPA.
The new technology would make registration for both local and international business more convenient.
This will take IPA a step closer to rolling out an electronic business registry that would make business start-up easier for entrepreneurs and business owners.
Speaking at a media briefing in Port Moresby yesterday, IPA managing director Ivan Pomaleu said the contract was signed last June 24.
“It is an effort to increase efficiency in registration services,” he said.
Pomaleu said the new system would make registration services available to businesses and individuals every day, while documents and registrations could be submitted to IPA with ease from anywhere, whether here or overseas.
The signing of the contract is part of IPA’s broader effort to introduce reforms and tools to improve the business environment so business can expand.
IPA is carrying out these reforms in consultation with the business community in PNG.
Under the contract, FML will replace the current system used by IPA with online lodgment compatible software which it will license to IPA.
IFC, which is a member of the World Bank group, is supporting IPA’s programme to simplify business registration and will assist IPA staff with training on the new system.
“Once the system is launched, customers would be able to register and lodge documents online,” Carolyn Blacklock, IFC’s resident representative in PNG, said.
“This will cut registration time and make the process more accessible, encouraging business start-up particularly for those operating in remote areas,” she said.
Currently, most customers still register in person at the IPA office in Port Moresby or use the postal service or an agent especially in other centres of the country.
Once the new online system is ready hopefully by April next year, access to data on firms in PNG such as company records and profiles and registration of businesses would be easier, Pomaleu said.