Markets need skilled people

THE findings of a report published by the National Research Institute (NRI) suggest that markets need skilled people and less political influence in management.
This would ensure that the infrastructure and services are sufficiently provided for vendors and customers resulting in a well-functioning market system.
Marketplaces play an important role in creating employment for workers, generating revenue for local and provincial authorities, providing opportunities for small businesses and contributing to economic growth.
Only five per cent of the population are employed while the informal economy remains the largest source of income for the majority of Papua New Guineans.
The report titled Managing marketplaces: Lessons from a comparative study of four markets in Papua New Guinea” looked at Lae, Kokopo, Mt Hagen and Alotau markets.
Authors Dr Elizabeth Kopel and Lewis Iwong recommended the creation of stronger market policies to be integrated into Government policy systems.
The report found that Alotau market had the best management and accountability system in place with detailed records of revenue raised.
Kopel and Iwong said markets needed to be made part of the responsibility of provincial or local authorities with appropriate policy regulation.
There is a need for better management and close monitoring of the use of infrastructure and market services, including access to water, hygiene and sanitation services which contribute to sustainable facilities and services.
Investment in market infrastructure would greatly contribute to greater economic activity, growing the local economy and achieving sustainable growth, improving livelihoods and reducing poverty.
A successful example of this provided in the study, was the case of Mt Hagen market providing business for over a thousand women and supplying the Highlands with fresh produce.
Policy and regulatory frameworks are critical for ongoing planning and resource allocation to sustain markets in the long-term.
As open markets make up the most visible part of the informal economy, the study show how important good practices, provide lessons for the establishment and management of markets.