Law issues in rural areas hindering investment: Wenge

LAW and order issues in the rural areas are preventing potential investments from overseas partners, donors and governments, says Morobe Governor Luther Wenge.
Wenge told the Grow PNG investor development forum in Lae on Monday that law and order was stopping investors from investing.
“How can we have people invest when there is a land issue or law and order issue that needs settling?” he asked. “There are potential investors but the land issue is keeping them away because they can’t invest in land which has issues.”
Wenge said the Government, provincial government, district development authorities and local level governments had plans to develop the economy.
“But how can we do that when people are living a disorderly life?” he asked. “The Government is talking about establishing, investing and promoting fisheries, agriculture, forestry and other sectors in Morobe, but it cannot because the land issue is there.”
Wenge challenged Markham landowners to free up their land and allow agriculture to expand.
Grow PNG hosted the forum to bring together business leaders, policymakers, and farmers to promote growth in the sector and facilitate new opportunities for farming families.
Grow PNG country director David Stewart said PNG was regarded as a risky place to do business because of government instability, corruption and violence in the Highlands.
“It means that negative stories are circulated around the world regularly,” he said.