Marape welcomes Japanese petroleum investors

PRIME Minister James Marape has welcomed representatives of the LNG Japan Corporation to PNG.
Marape said PNG welcomed any investment in the petroleum sector and he was ready to give “100 per cent support” if LNG Japan Corporation would create employment for Papua New Guineans.
“I will give 100 per cent support if you show me that you can create employment,” he said.
“I don’t mind giving you a tax holiday if you can create employment for our citizens.”
Marape said the Government would create affordable electricity for the country over the next 10 years.
It is the reason why the Government pushed for a minimum 10 per cent of any commercially viable gas found
“The Kumul Petroleum Holdings Ltd (KPHL) will pick up this 10 per cent and use it while the Government opted to create by-products from this gas through downstream processing,” he said.
“However, first and foremost, it is important to obtain cheaper electricity for all our citizens.”
Also at the meeting were the National Planning and Monitoring Minister Sam Basil, Commerce and Industry Minister William Duma and KPHL managing director Wapu Sonk.
Marape encouraged Sonk to continue dialogue with LNG Japan Corporation and with Basil and Duma so that they are fully aware on its progress.
Marape thanked LNG Japan Delegation president and chief executive officer Hiroshi Kawahara for leading the high level delegation to PNG and for meeting with them.