Local firms urged to reap benefits of Fifa event

THE local organising committee has urged the business sector in the country to take advantage of the opportunities that would be present during the Fifa Under-20 Women’s World Cup tournament in Port Moresby in five months.
Chief executive officer Seamus Martin said: “We have a big challenge (business community) to see what we can put out, they have rest days and might want to do something; what can we put out, or what activities can you put out for them to enjoy in their spare time?”
Martin was speaking during a breakfast in Port Moresby when presenting an overview of the preparations for the Fifa tournament and opportunities for the business community.
Martin said hosting the tournament was a massive undertaking. “There are a lot of things that we have to do in terms of host requirements and compliance.
“As most of you know, PNG is a challenging environment.
“It’s a 16-team tournament.
“All matches will be played in Port Moresby.
“For 21 days, all eyes will be on PNG.
“PNG has the opportunity to add its name to the list.  In two years’ time this tournament will be held in France.
“PNG is one of 209 countries affiliated to the FIFA.”
Martin explained that the local organising committee was not the same as Fifa.
“We initially will oversee.
“Structure is in two parts.
“The Government is in charge of infrastructure, training facilities, venues, anything that stays in the country and is a legacy of Port Moresby and Papua New Guinea,” Seamus said.
“On the other side, the operations — that we are in charge of.
“We are going to extract money from the private sector through sponsorships, from donations, a little bit of seed funding from Fifa.”