Local dairy farm an opportunity for Kiwis

By MARK HAIHUIE
GROWING the domestic dairy market is an opportunity for enhanced partnerships with New Zealand companies as opposed to seeing this as leading onto competition.
New Zealand Business Council chairman Murray McCully told The National that this was also the expectation of several Papua New Guinea ministers.
He said those ministers said New Zealand had skills in agriculture and horticulture which it could pass on to Papua New Guinea.
“These are areas in which New Zealand has skills to contribute in both the public and private sectors,” McCully said. “One of my tasks is that we meet the expectations that they have.
“When it comes to dairy, I think our interests are entirely complementary and not competitive.
“We can see opportunities for some of our companies to become directly involved in partnership here. You have got a great climate, excellent, fertile soil.
“There is greater opportunity to work and benefit together rather than being in competition with each other.
“I believe that there is an opportunity for New Zealand for it to bring its dairy expertise here. I am encouraging New Zealand companies to think about the right way for them to become involved.
“I am going to work with (National Planning) Minister (Richard) Maru and others to get New Zealand involved in the dairy industry here. I’m aware of the Israeli initiative and some of the policies the Government has put in place to grow the domestic dairy industry.
“New Zealand is a significant player in the world dairy industry, but is a small player in terms of production.
“There is no reason why PNG is not part of that process, not only for dairy but other industries as well.”