Meri programme to help support ongoing market access

A NEW programme to help support safe ongoing market access during the Covid-19 pandemic was launched yesterday.
The Markets Economic Recovery and Inclusion (Meri) programme is supported by the PNG-Australia partnership and aims to educate vendors and consumers to restrict the spread of the Covid-19 while also making markets safer for all.
The programme will also help guide and strengthen market administrations to be accountable and transparent in the day-to-day running of the facilities.
The rollout of the Meri programme will be in compliance with the PNG Government’s directives under the “new normal” policy.
Prime Minister James Marape and Australian High Commissioner Jon Philp, along with representatives from the Meri taskforce, launched the programme.
Marape thanked the Australian government for its unwavering support and outlined his Government’s ongoing commitment to major urban and rural markets as “distinct and special places” within PNG society.
“The majority of our people raise their incomes through the informal sector, selling at local and district markets that provide livelihoods and food security to millions of women and their families,” he said.
“Their safe, controlled and gradual reopening and recovery with increased accountability is a priority for this Government under our ‘Niupela Dei, Niupela Rot’ policy,” Marape said.
Philp welcomed the launch of the programme and said it exemplified one aspect of Australia’s support to the nation’s economic recovery under a recently-signed comprehensive strategic and economic partnership. “Papua New Guinea is Australia’s close friend and partner and our support for the country’s emergency preparedness and response plan for the Covid-19 is designed to ensure the nation remains resilient during these unprecedented times,” he said.