Local firm helps villagers by buying from them

A small-to-medium enterprise (SME) owner wants to help villagers to be economically empowered by utilising what is around them.
Milne Bay Merchandise and Service, a local company based in the province, is thriving to become a reputable company specialised in selling and manufacturing arts and crafts in the province and around the country.
The company has been operating since last Feb, and was registered with the Investment Promotion Authority Aug 8, 2018.
Owner, Julia Kusunan, said the company planned to widen its marketing network and expand to export level.
She said its focus was to improve lives of people living in remote areas of Milne Bay.
Kusunan said the company bought raw materials from local villagers and added value to them by engaging artisans to handcraft quality products like earrings and bracelets.
“I pay for the products that come all the way from the village level,” she said.
“I was inspired to utilise available resources in the village to make beautiful products and sell to help improve people’s lives in the village level.
“Much of our population is there with a lot of resources.
“Despite the available resources we have, our people still live poor lives and beg from relatives that are employed in towns and cities.
“Right now, our mission is to find a bigger and consistent market for village people’s products so that the cash flow for them is consistent.
“Our vision is to use available resources to alleviate poverty, assist with sustainable projects for the people in the village and empower women, youths and communities.”
Kusunan said the company encouraged local artisans as much as possible to make quality products to meet market demands.