Minister reveals million-job objective

LABOR and Employment Minister Kessy Sawang says the Government has set an ambitious goal of creating one million jobs by 2027.
Sawang made the remark when meeting International Labor Organisation (ILO) assistant director general, Asia Pacific regional director Chihoko Asada-Miyaka during her visit to the European Union-funded Streit project in Wewak, East Sepik, recently.
Sawang said the Government would ensure quality and decent jobs were inclusive and sustainable through the use of a structured policy.
“In support, we have formulated a national employment policy, training policy and labour marketing commission policy.”
Sawang said ILO’s support would be sought in making this goal a reality.
“We would like ILO to broaden the capacity of the current ILO desk in PNG. We have immense labour challenges and we will need your expertise and support.
“We need to work on our skills pipeline and make the right skills investment in our people.
“The Government values our social partners; we have discussed the terms of the forthcoming review of the minimum wages, the 2024 Labour Force survey, the proposed policy and draft law for occupational safety and health as well as the continued implementation of the Global Labour Plan,” she added.
Meanwhile Asada-Miyaka said it was a privilege visiting PNG for the first time and witnessing the level of work force in the country, especially during her visit to Wewak.
“As the world continues to face complex challenges, all our efforts to advance social justice and to promote decent work for all are more important than ever.
“PNG is a nation with immense potential. Rich cultural heritage and resilient workforce.
“I am confident that with the right policies and collective effort, PNG can achieve sustainable growth and ensure all citizens have access to decent work and fair share of the nation’s prosperity.”